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.
ClearWay Minnesota is a member of Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation, a coalition of Minnesota organizations advocating for changes that will reduce tobacco’s harm for the people of our state. Minnesotans agree that kids shouldn’t use tobacco products and that there is more we can do to prevent kids from becoming addicted. The coalition has four main policy objectives: Raise the tobacco purchase price to 21, restrict sales of flavored tobacco, increase funding for ongoing work to reduce tobacco’s harm and keep tobacco prices high.
The national Tobacco Control Network provides a number of public policy resources here.
Tobacco 21
A national consensus is growing to prevent addiction and health problems by raising the minimum age to purchase tobacco to 21. Raising the purchase age will prevent youth tobacco use and save lives.
LEARN MOREFlavor Danger
Menthol, candy and fruit flavors are attractive to kids and can lead to a lifetime of tobacco addiction and disease. The tobacco industry uses flavors to attract the next generation of smokers.
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Funding Tobacco Prevention
Funding tobacco control activities reduces smoking and saves lives. The state of Minnesota spends just 42 percent of what the CDC recommends for an effective tobacco control program.
LEARN MORETobacco Prices
Higher tobacco prices prevent kids from starting, and are proven to help existing smokers quit.
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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 MOREE-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.
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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 MOREPolicy 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.
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