ClearWay Minnesota supports public policies that help reduce tobacco’s harm in Minnesota, both at the state and local level. Public policy strategies are important, as they touch the lives of everyone in a community, and have the power to improve health on a large scale. Science proves that public policy changes, like passing smoke-free laws and increasing tobacco prices, are among the most effective ways to prevent kids from using tobacco and to motivate existing users to quit. In Minnesota, research shows price increases and smoke-free air policies have been the top drivers of smoking declines over the past two decades.
In 2014, ClearWay Minnesota worked to support two statewide policy proposals that have been signed into law by Governor Dayton. The new policies require foster homes in Minnesota to be smoke-free environments, and create some restrictions around the sales and use of e-cigarettes.
Freedom to Breathe Act
The Freedom to Breathe Act protects all Minnesotans' right to breathe clean air in indoor spaces. We support keeping the law strong and oppose any attempts to weaken it.
LEARN MORESecondhand Smoke
All Minnesotans are protected from the proven dangers of secondhand smoke in workplaces and public spaces like bars and restaurants, but people are still exposed in too many places.
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Tobacco Pricing
Research shows raising the price of tobacco is a top way to motivate quitting and to prevent kids from starting. Our support for keeping the price high has helped achieve successes such as 2013's $1.60 per pack cigarette tax increase.
LEARN MORESmoke-Free Foster Care
Starting in 2014, kids in foster homes will have overdue protection from the harms of secondhand smoke. We support support this policy and are helping local communities as they go about implementing it.
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E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that allow users to inhale nicotine, and much is unknown about their effects on users and bystanders. We support including e-cigarettes in existing policies restricting smoking in public places.
LEARN MORECessation Policy
We work with health care providers to make sure asking about and treating patient tobacco use becomes as routine as checking for high blood pressure. This work reflects ClearWay Minnesota’s focus on sustainable strategies to address tobacco use across the state.
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Policy Grantees
We fund organizations around the state to lead initiatives that reduce tobacco use, improve health and organize community members to get involved in raising awareness of tobacco's dangers.
LEARN MORE Freedom to Breathe Act
The Freedom to Breathe Act protects all Minnesotans' right to breathe clean air in indoor spaces. We support keeping the law strong and oppose any attempts to weaken it.
LEARN MORE Secondhand Smoke
All Minnesotans are protected from the proven dangers of secondhand smoke in workplaces and public spaces like bars and restaurants, but people are still exposed in too many places.
LEARN MORE Tobacco Pricing
Research shows raising the price of tobacco is a top way to motivate quitting and to prevent kids from starting. Our support for keeping the price high has helped achieve successes such as 2013's $1.60 per pack cigarette tax increase.
LEARN MORE Smoke-Free Foster Care
Starting in 2014, kids in foster homes will have overdue protection from the harms of secondhand smoke. We support support this policy and are helping local communities as they go about implementing it.
LEARN MORE E-Cigarettes
E-cigarettes are battery-operated devices that allow users to inhale nicotine, and much is unknown about their effects on users and bystanders. We support including e-cigarettes in existing policies restricting smoking in public places.
LEARN MORE Cessation Policy
We work with health care providers to make sure asking about and treating patient tobacco use becomes as routine as checking for high blood pressure. This work reflects ClearWay Minnesota’s focus on sustainable strategies to address tobacco use across the state.
LEARN MORE Policy Grantees
We fund organizations around the state to lead initiatives that reduce tobacco use, improve health and organize community members to get involved in raising awareness of tobacco's dangers.
LEARN MORE