With the 2022 Oklahoma legislative session wrapping up, we’re excited to let you know about the successes you helped make possible.
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First, the legislature added $1.1 million to the budget to fund the Double up Oklahoma program, which matches the value (up to $20 per day) of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) dollars spent at participating grocery stores and farmers’ markets for fruits and vegetables.
Also, Gov. Stitt signed House Bill 3315, which removes penalties on youth who purchase, use or possess (PUP) tobacco products.
As you might recall, these PUP laws were passed in the mid-90s as an attempt to reduce the number of underage youth purchasing and using tobacco products. However, they are not an effective deterrent for youth, and they create unintended consequences. A recent study shows age is not a barrier to sale for most youth, and 75 percent of youth who tried to buy tobacco products were not refused.
For decades, tobacco companies have attracted new users to their deadly products with flavors like menthol, gummy bear, blueberry muffin, and more that mask the harsh taste of tobacco.
Removing PUP penalties is a critical step to shifting responsibility for tobacco sales where it belongs – with the retailers who sell products to underage youth and with the industry that markets to them.
Thank you for helping us create a healthier and more equitable Oklahoma!
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