THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 13, 2024 Page 7 BILL | FROM PAGE 3 enough to legally purchase nicotine and tobacco products will never be lawfully able to purchase these products in Massachusetts, thereby creating no more new users. The “Nicotine-Free Generation” bill recognizes the addictive nature of nicotine and tobacco products and will not impact those adults who are current consumers of these products. Rather, this legislation will protect future generations from nicotine addiction and the resulting health harms. In 2021 the Town of Brookline became the first municipality in the nation to pass a bylaw prohibiting the sale of all nicotine products to individuals born after January 1, 2000. Challenged by several local retailers, the bylaw was ultimately upheld by the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts. Following Brookline’s example, Concord, Malden, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield and Winchester subsequently passed similar bylaws. Senator Lewis and Representatives Lipper-Garabedian and Vitolo recently hosted an event at the State House recognizing many of the advocates and public health professionals involved in passing and implementing these policies in their communities. “We all know the devastating health effects of nicotine and tobacco products, especially on our youth who are targeted by Big Tobacco,” said Senator Lewis. “This bill will save countless lives and create a healthier world for the next generation. I’m so proud that all six communities in my district have already enacted Nicotine-Free Generation policies at the local level, and I will fight to make this a statewide policy.” “Tobacco and nicotine use poses extreme health threats to people of all ages and particularly our youth,” said Representative Lipper-Garabedian. “I was proud to see all three communities in the 32nd Middlesex District pass Nicotine-Free Generation policies. Inspired by my local leaders, I’m glad to partner with Senator Lewis and Representative Vitolo to file state-level legislation to end the cycle of nicotine addiction and ensure our young people are protected from harmful products.” “America has allowed nicotine products like cigarettes to be sold for generations. These lawful products are so addictive that it would be unfair to take them away from long-time users. And, because they are so addictive, it would be unfair to allow those currently too young to lawfully purchase these products to ever do so. This legislation treats everyone fairly. Those who are not old enough now to obtain nicotine products will never be old enough to buy them in Massachusetts. Those who are old enough today will always be old enough,” said Representative Vitolo. “This problem is going to take a generation to solve, and with this legislation we can solve it, one day at a time.” RETIRE | FROM PAGE 1 tie Valley and Tina Buonomo on their retirements from the Malden Public Schools following a combined 70 years of making a difference to students in Malden. The Mayor presented Katie and Tina with citations on behalf of the City and wished them the best in their retirements! Katie has worked in the Malden schools for 38 years, beginning right out of college. She has taught at the Maplewood, Holmes, High School and Middle School and has been teaching in the middle school at the Beebe (as well as the original Beebe!) since it opened in 1999. Tina, a 32-year veteran with the schools, began as a paraprofessional and then worked as a teacher/administrator for the Partnership for Community Schools Program before serving as an administrative assistant. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/ Advocate.news.ma Bus Route Changes The fi rst phase of MBTA’s Bus Network Redesign starts December 15, 2024. Get ready! Learn how these routes will change: ALLSTON Learn More at MBTA.com/BNRPhase1 Sign up for T-Alerts at MBTA.com/SignUp BRIGHTON CENTER
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