Millburn advocates sound off as Christie faces tobacco bill deadline (The Item of Millburn & Short Hills)
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According to the Item of Millburn and Short Hills, the Codey-Vitale Bill- nicknamed Tobacco 21 - which is sponsored by Sen. Richard J. Codey and Sen. Joseph F. Vitale, and would raise the minimum smoking age from 19 to 21 years old is currently on New Jersey governor’s desk. Gov. Chris Christie has until later today, Jan 19. to sign the bill. If he does not take action, the bill will be automatically vetoed.
According to a statement released by New Jersey Senate Democrats, studies have shown that the ages of 18 to 21 are a critical period for developing smoking habits. Many smokers move from casual or experimental smoking to more consistent use during this period.
Heather Jenquine is the coordinator of the Millburn Municipal Alliance Committee (MMAC), a group that promotes drug and alcohol-free lifestyles. She says the bill will help prevent young people from smoking in their early adult years. Karen Blumenfeld Esq. executive director of GASP and a former Township resident, also stresses the importance of taking tobacco accessibility away form teens.
Read the full January 19, 2016 article here (Northjersey.com Earned media).