Local News
Hintz Introduces Legislation Aimed at Preventing Youth Vaping
State Representative Gordon Hintz of Oshkosh introduced
legislation this week aimed at preventing youth vaping. The bill would provide $2
million in funding for a statewide public health campaign aimed at prevention
of tobacco and electronic cigarette use. Some of the funds would be directed
towards local organizations that provide prevention and cessation services to
youth in the state.
“The rise in youth vaping is a public health crisis
threatening the health of our children,” Hintz said in a statement. “State
government has a role to play in slowing this epidemic among our youth. The
funding in this bill will help get the word out across the state about the dangers
of vaping, and provide resources for regional organizations to help prevent
youth e-cigarette use.”
Statewide, statistics show a 154-percent increase in e-cigarette
use from 2014 to 2018. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services also continues
to monitor over 100 confirmed and probable cases of lung disease linked to
vaping.