The Senate Majority today announced that a hearing will be held on Monday, November 4, 2019, to examine the safety and potential harms of electronic cigarettes and vaping, especially among school-aged youth from Harlem to Hollis. The hearing will be led by Senator Kevin Thomas, Chair of the Senate Consumer Protection Committee, Senator Shelley B. Mayer, Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, and Senator Gustavo Rivera, Chair of the Senate Health Committee.
“We have seen an alarming increase in vaping related illnesses and deaths which has exposed a glaring lack of regulation on e-cigarettes and related products,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “These dangerous products are targeting our children, and we have a responsibility to examine, regulate, and protect the health of all New Yorkers, especially our most vulnerable residents. I commend Senators Kevin Thomas, Shelley Mayer, and Senator Gustavo Rivera for co-chairing this hearing and working to address this situation.”
Senator Kevin Thomas, Chair of the Senate Consumer Protection Committee, said, “We have a responsibility to protect our children from unregulated, unsafe, and potentially dangerous products. Vaping is a serious public health concern that has reached epidemic proportions among our school-aged youth. This hearing is an opportunity for New Yorkers to voice their concerns as we develop solutions to ensure the health and safety of all children across New York State.”
Senator Shelley B. Mayer, Chair of the Senate Education Committee, said, “Vaping use is at epidemic levels among young people in New York State. Parents and advocates are deeply concerned about the long-term consequences, and they do not feel enough is being done to address the underage abuse of vaping products. The recent deaths and serious injuries associated with vaping have only added to the fear. I am pleased to co-sponsor the Public Hearing to investigate the potential harmful effects of vaping and shed light on this critical issue. With so much noise, rumor, and speculation, this hearing will gather experts, including school leaders and students, to discuss the facts. Thank you to my Senate colleagues, Senators Kevin Thomas and Gustavo Rivera, for co-hosting this event.”
Senator Gustavo Rivera, Chair of the Senate Health Committee, said, “I am diligently working with the Chairs of the Senate Committees on Education, Senator Shelley Mayer, and Consumer Protection, Senator Kevin Thomas to utilize this hearing effectively. Our shared goal is to consider the potential harms of electronic cigarettes and vaping and craft policies that will protect New Yorkers and particularly our children and young adults.
The hearing will focus on gathering input from experts and stakeholders on potential legislative solutions to regulate e-cigarettes and vaping products in the upcoming legislative session. The hearing will be in Manhattan on Monday, November 4 at 12:00 PM in the Senate Hearing Room, 250 Broadway, 19th Floor, New York, NY 10007. Oral testimony is by invitation only. To attend the hearing or submit written testimony please email cscherida@nysenate.gov.
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