P2B370: Mobilizing Youth in Advocacy for Increased Tobacco Taxes in New York State

Background: Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11.3% of high schoolers (1.72 million) and 2.8% of middle schoolers (320,000) reported current use of e-cigarettes. Since 2020, teen use of disposable e-cigarette devices (ie, Puff Bar, Vuse, SMOK) has increased dramatically, preferentially with flavored products. Despite “Tobacco 21” laws, enforcement is lax and state-fines minimal, failing to prevent sales to underage teens. Taxation is a proven mechanism to reduce tobacco use. For every 10% increase in the price of tobacco, overall combustible cigarette consumption decreases by 5%. While youth have been active in advocating for prohibitions on tobacco flavors such as mint and menthol, teen advocacy for increased tobacco taxes has not been prioritized.

Project Description: Teens collaborated with “Tobacco Kills New York,” a group of tobacco-control organizations, to advocate for increased taxes on all nicotine-containing products. The coalition included: the local chapters of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Cancer Society, American Lung Association, American Heart Association and Parents Against Vaping and E-Cigarettes. A Legislative Memo was drafted and circulated to the Governor’s Office as well as NY Legislative Leadership. A teen authored an Opinion/Editorial article in a newspaper with a circulation of 250,000, amplified via the social media channels of partner organizations. Tobacco Kills NY organized a press conference in the state capital to promote prohibitions on flavoring and increased nicotine taxation as means of reducing teen use. In-person legislative meetings were also held with the New York State Assembly and Senate leadership. AAP chapters included the proposal in their annual “NY State Advocacy Day,” and released 4 legislative alerts requesting pediatricians call legislators in support of these measures.

Discussion: Current proposals from the Governor’s office include a $1 tax increase for combustible cigarettes and a prohibition on sale of all flavored tobacco. NYS Senate leadership has budgeted an additional $75 million to support cessation and education programs in communities targeted by marketing of flavored products. The NY Assembly proposal includes $15 million in funds for enforcement and stricter penalties on tobacco inspections, including revocation of a retail license for failing to allow an inspection. As of this submission, negotiations are ongoing.

Conclusion: The “teen voice” on taxation policies which curb teen e-cigarette use can be effective. Youth advocates are useful partners with pediatricians in support of nicotine-control measures other than prohibitions on flavored tobacco.