Post by Logan on Jun 22, 2016 16:06:19 GMT -6
A yearlong effort to increase the smoking age from 18 to 21 now rests with Gov. Eddie Calvo after being passed by lawmakers last week. The measure received wide support from a host of tobacco-free advocates and members of the community throughout the course of the discussion on the proposal and up to moments before the legislative vote on Bill 141-33.
Still, six lawmakers opted to let young adults decide for themselves and voted “nay” on the measure. Bill 141, if signed or lapsed into law, will increase the minimum legal age for access to tobacco and electronic cigarettes to 21 effective Jan. 1, 2017. Among those who voted nay was Sen. Brant McCreadie, a nonsmoker.
"If 18-year-olds are able to make decisions such as vote for our elected officials, serve our country, and numerous other decisions that affect their lives and the lives of others, they should be able to make this decision for themselves," McCreadie told the Post. “I do not believe we as legislators should take away any decision from an adult."
Joining McCreadie in the nay column were Sens. Tony Ada, Frank Blas Jr., James Espaldon, Rory Respicio and Dennis Rodriguez. A story about smoking published last August in the Sunday Variety – predecessor to the Sunday Post – had Rodriguez and Ada firm in their decision to leave the age limit at 18. Espaldon stated he wanted to fully vet the pros and cons. Espaldon passed twice on the proposal before casting his no vote.
Read more: www.postguam.com/news/local/smoking-age-bill-now-before-governor/article_9c62f89a-385c-11e6-bad8-1fe2d974c1d3.html
Still, six lawmakers opted to let young adults decide for themselves and voted “nay” on the measure. Bill 141, if signed or lapsed into law, will increase the minimum legal age for access to tobacco and electronic cigarettes to 21 effective Jan. 1, 2017. Among those who voted nay was Sen. Brant McCreadie, a nonsmoker.
"If 18-year-olds are able to make decisions such as vote for our elected officials, serve our country, and numerous other decisions that affect their lives and the lives of others, they should be able to make this decision for themselves," McCreadie told the Post. “I do not believe we as legislators should take away any decision from an adult."
Joining McCreadie in the nay column were Sens. Tony Ada, Frank Blas Jr., James Espaldon, Rory Respicio and Dennis Rodriguez. A story about smoking published last August in the Sunday Variety – predecessor to the Sunday Post – had Rodriguez and Ada firm in their decision to leave the age limit at 18. Espaldon stated he wanted to fully vet the pros and cons. Espaldon passed twice on the proposal before casting his no vote.
Read more: www.postguam.com/news/local/smoking-age-bill-now-before-governor/article_9c62f89a-385c-11e6-bad8-1fe2d974c1d3.html