A coalition of groups is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the state law that banned smoking in most public places and urging lawmakers to do more. Threase Harms of the Iowa Tobacco Prevention Alliance says the Iowa Smokefree Act has helped thousands of Iowans quit smoking. "More than one in … [Read more...]
State reaches settlement with e-cigarette maker on advertising
Iowa's Attorney General has announced a settlement with an electronic cigarette maker over the company's advertising. The AG's office says JUUL Labs has agreed to pay the state $5 million over four years after allegations the company promoted the electronic devices to those under 21 in violation … [Read more...]
Today’s the day to kick the smoking habit
Iowans who smoke cigarettes are being encouraged to quit -- just for today. As part of the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout, it's hoped if smokers can kick the habit for one day, they can make the change permanent. Studies show the average smoker has to try seven times before … [Read more...]
Leader of Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids comments on Juul ban
The president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids applauds the recent FDA ruling that banned Juul vaping products from the U.S., but he says the damage is already done in states like Iowa. Matt Myers says in almost every category, Iowa's youth smoking rates are well above the national average … [Read more...]
Annual tobacco settlement payment made to state
The state has received its annual tobacco settlement payment. The state is getting around $53 million as part of the 1998 settlement with tobacco companies. Around 12 million dollars of that payment will go into the state's account. The state sold bonds as a sort of loan against the settlement … [Read more...]
Lawmakers consider taxing vaping liquid like rolled cigarettes
A small group in the Iowa House is working on a bill that would tax the liquid used in electronic cigarettes at or near the same rate as combustible cigarettes. Representative Ann Meyer of Fort Dodge said she's concerned about the kids who're using E-cigarettes. "I know that these systems were … [Read more...]
Senator seeks end of ‘No Smoking’ signage requirements
A bill advancing in the Iowa Senate would get rid of the requirement that "No Smoking" signs be prominently placed at the entrances of Iowa businesses. Senator Jason Schultz recently noticed a fresh, brand new "No Smoking" sticker in Denison and it struck him as unnecessary. "Everybody now … [Read more...]
Lung Association releases annual report on tobacco issues
The “State of Tobacco Control” report issued by the Iowa American Lung Association shows the state's grades have not changed from last year. Association advocacy director, Kristina Hamilton, says there has been one recent improvement in tobacco prevention. She says Iowa's Medicaid program now … [Read more...]
Heart Association cites progress in stopping teen smoking, vaping
The American Heart Association says progress has been made in stopping kids from smoking and vaping -- but there is still a lot of work to do. The Association's Jeff Willett says there was good news on the topic. "We have seen a reduction between 2019 and 2020 with regard to the overall use of … [Read more...]
State receives its annual Tobacco Settlement payment
The state of Iowa recently received a payment of nearly 53 million dollars from the tobacco companies involved in the 1998 settlement agreement. The spokesman for Iowa's Attorney General, Lynn Hicks, says the payments are made every April. "We're up now to $1.36 billion that has come into the … [Read more...]