Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation coalition work

Co-chaired by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation is a coalition of over 40 community organizations leading the fight against youth commercial tobacco use.

The coalition supports policies like Tobacco 21, keeping tobacco prices high, limiting access to candy, fruit, and menthol flavored tobacco. More recently, Minnesotans for a Smoke-Free Generation was key in successfully advocating for two state policies passed in 2023 to further reduce commercial tobacco addiction. The new legislation:

• Dedicates Juul settlement funding to the Minnesota Department of Health’s commercial tobacco prevention and cessation efforts
• Expands Medicaid coverage for tobacco treatment and broadens the types of providers that can bill for reimbursement

The coalition and its members are united around four key priorities:

• Eliminating flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes, as a critical step toward preventing a lifetime of addiction among young people.
• Raising the price of tobacco products as another proven method to deter youth from ever starting.
• Dedicated funding for prevention and treatment ensures that those targeted by the tobacco industry receive the support they need, while also helping Minnesotans of all ages quit.
• Increasing access to cessation medications and treatment to not only save lives, but it also reduce long-term healthcare costs across the state.

Together, these efforts form a comprehensive approach to reducing commercial tobacco use and promoting a healthier future for all Minnesotans.

Learn more about the coalition.