Governor Cites Youth Smoking Epidemic In Veto Of Bill
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine vetoed a bill that would have blocked cities from banning the sale of menthol cigarettes, as well as candy-flavored vaping products.
DeWine made the announcement during a news conference on Thursday with state health department officials.
“On December 15th the General Assembly passed a bill that would prohibit local governments from enacting laws to would discourage the use of tobacco. This measure is not in the public interest and therefore I have vetoed this bill.”
DeWine called youth smoking an epidemic that he says is exacerbated by flavored products on the market.
We're seeing more young people vape because of the enticing flavors available, which leads them to becoming addicted. That's why I vetoed HB 513, which would've prohibited local governments from enacting laws to discourage the use of tobacco. Veto message: https://t.co/5UNz550dDX pic.twitter.com/MnPAgtOgNC
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) January 5, 2023