For years, Oklahoma has been at the mercy of tobacco companies who prioritize their profits over people — causing our people to suffer. Most recently, Big Tobacco has started targeting our youth with vapes and other nicotine products, lying about their safety and getting them addicted for life. The tobacco industry will jump through any loophole necessary to expose our kids to their propaganda.

It doesn’t stop there either. In Oklahoma, it’s still legal to smoke with kids in the car, exposing hundreds of children to secondhand smoke against their will. Most places have transitioned to non-smoking, but many bars and restaurants across the state still allow smoking indoors. Even with the passing of Tobacco 21, kids are still able to get their hands on nicotine via online vape sales and through social connection.

It is up to leaders like us to stop Big Tobacco and end the cycle of addiction in our schools, neighborhoods and communities. Without our action, no change will happen. We need your help now more than ever.