Children and Tobacco: The Facts

Questions to Ask Candidates for Public Office About Children and Tobacco

Given all that we know, the scientific case for protecting children from tobacco is indisputable. The moral imperative to act is imperative . . . . This is not a Democratic or a Republican issue. It is a bipartisan, pro-child, pro-family, pro-health issue."
-- A statement made by President Jimmy Carter in USA Today, August 3, 1995.

Here are some questions children's advocates may want to ask political candidates regarding tobacco:

• Would you pledge not to accept political contributions from the tobacco industry?

• Would you support smokefree public places? If so, how will you protect children from secondhand smoke exposure in public places?

• Do you support an increase in cigarette taxes?

• Do you believe tobacco advertising and promotion messages reach children? If so, what steps do you think should be taken to protect our youth from tobacco advertising?

• Do you believe that local government should have the authority to regulate sales to minors? Smokefree places? Tobacco advertising?

• What steps would you take to increase educational programs designed to teach the health hazards of tobacco, as well as those designed to prevent children from smoking?

• What sort of actions should be taken when tobacco products are illegally sold to minors? What type of sanctions do you support? Loss of retail license? Both? Other?