You know all the facts about tobacco use and its impact on the lives of thousands of New Mexicans. It is the single most preventable cause of death in the state and leads to heart disease, stroke, cancer, and respiratory illnesses. It is an $853 million drain on our economy because of health costs and lost productivity at work.

However, with the newly enacted FDA Tobacco regulation bill we can reduce these numbers and create healthier lives in New Mexico. Specifically the new FDA Tobacco law will allow states to:

-require all retail ads be in black and white
-limit the number or size of tobacco ads at retail shops
-reduce the tobacco placement at or near the register to reduce impulse purchases

Now is the perfect time step up our tobacco prevention and cessation efforts. I also urge you to look at increasing the tobacco tax which has proven to reduce smoking and raise revenue everywhere its been tried.

As you work towards next legislative session please consider these strategies to reducing one of our top health threats. Thank you for your consideration.

Heart Disease and Stroke. You're the Cure.