New Mexico Legislature
State of New Mexico

Honorable Debbie Rodella:

I want to thank you for sponsoring HB704. Please add my support to this important legislative proposal. Tobacco is more addictive than heroin, cocaine, alcohol and many other illicit drugs. Young people are generally unaware of the long-term adverse consequences of smoking and tobacco use.

Over 80% of smokers become hooked on nicotine before they reach the age of 18. Each day, nearly 6,000 young people try their first cigarette, over 3,000 of these individuals become addicted. Due to their addiction, nearly 450,000 Americans die each year from a poor decision made when they were young.

We need to send a stronger message to young people. While we prohibit individuals under 18 from buying cigarettes and tobacco products, we cannot prevent them from smoking or using these drugs once they obtain them. Your bill allows us to be more consistent with our efforts to keep tobacco away from our children.

Thank you for your dedication and hard work attempting to provide New Mexico's young people a positive future.

Sincerely,