Public Health director supports raising legal age for buying tobacco products
Press Release, Public Health departments in Genesee, Orleans counties
ALBANY – Paul Pettit, the public health director for Orleans and Genesee counties, has issued a statement in support of raising the legal age to buy tobacco to age 21. Pettit is also president of NYSACHO, the New York State Association of County Health Officials.
“The Senate’s recent passage of Tobacco 21 legislation is another critical and historic step in our fight to prevent millions of New Yorkers from developing tobacco-related illnesses,” Pettit said.
“Both houses have now passed the bill and the governor has announced that he plans to sign it into law.
“We enthusiastically await his action and thank him for his support of this lifesaving measure. We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Diane Savino and Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, who sponsored this legislation in their respective houses, and who worked tirelessly to ensure its passage.
“NYSACHO and our members will continue to provide expertise and support to help lawmakers craft policy that protects and improves public health, and we look forward to more public health victories in the remainder of the legislative session.”
