WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Praise for Senator Young’s Work to Secure Tobacco 21 and Medical Device Repeal

WASHINGTON – Several Indiana organizations have commended Senator Young’s announcement that his Tobacco to 21 Act and a permanent repeal of the medical device tax are included in the end of year funding agreement. 

What They Are Saying: 

Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb:

“Prevention efforts are critically important. It’s hard for people to stay on the road to recovery, so if you can stay off that road to addiction, all the better. I am grateful Sen. Young is dedicated to raising the age at the federal level and I’m proud to partner with him as we also tackle this issue at the state level. I’m confident we will work together to help Hoosiers achieve better health outcomes,” said Governor Holcomb.

Indiana State Medical Association:

“The Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) strongly supports this legislation,” said Lisa Hatcher, MD, ISMA president. “The evidence is clear that raising the age to purchase tobacco products to 21 will deter youths from ever beginning to use tobacco and e-cigarettes. This proposal will save lives. Thank you to Sen. Young for taking action to address this serious health issue.”

Alliance for a Healthier Indiana:

“The Alliance for a Healthier Indiana applauds Senator Young for his commitment to moving the needle on Hoosier public health outcomes,” said Bryan Mills, CEO of Community Health Network and founding member of the Alliance for a Healthier Indiana. “Senator Young’s legislation to raise the age of tobacco purchase from 18 to 21 shows he is a dedicated partner in creating an improved health climate for the next generation to come.”

Indiana Hospital Association:

“We have seen first-hand Senator Young’s sincere concern regarding youth smoking and vaping in alarming numbers and we are sincerely grateful for his leadership. He has been a powerful advocate on behalf of addressing this public health epidemic. Making it more difficult for young people to purchase cigarettes and vaping products is a significant step forward in reducing overall tobacco usage and making Indiana – and the entire country – healthier,” said Brian Tabor, Indiana Hospital Association President. 

Indiana Chamber of Commerce on Tobacco 21:

“Indiana’s tobacco usage is a big factor why the state’s already bottom 10 national health care rankings continue to decline. Raising the legal age for smoking and vaping from 18 to 21 will have the single biggest impact on curbing usage and eventually leading our state to improved health,” said Indiana Chamber of Commerce President Kevin Brinegar. “Smoking also costs Hoosier companies over $6 billion annually in lost productivity and annual health care costs for employees. We are grateful for Senator Young’s leadership and tenacity in getting this policy put in the spending bill.”

Indiana Chamber of Commerce on Medical Device Tax Repeal:

“The permanent elimination of the medical device tax is something we have sought since it was introduced in Obamacare,” Brinegar said. “The tax is a job-killer and represents a particularly offensive and counterproductive form of taxation in that it is tied to the volume of production and not the profitability or income related to that production. We applaud Sen. Young and others in Indiana’s delegation – including Reps. Jackie Walorski and Jim Banks – who have repeatedly pushed for the permanent repeal to help Indiana’s vital medical device manufacturers.”