Senator Walczyk Applauds Settlement with JUUL, Helping in the Fight with Youth Vaping

Coming on the heels of the Attorney General’s announcement, Senator Mark Walczyk is applauding the outcome from the settlement with e-cigarette brand, JUUL.  The company must pay $462 million to six states, including New York, and the District of Columbia. 

Senator Walczyk has been a strong advocate of anti-smoking organizations, like Reality Check.  The $112 million New York will receive from this settlement will go towards helping young New Yorkers quit vaping and support underage vaping abatement programs. 

"I share the concerns of Reality Check student advocates, parents, school administrators, and all the educators who have repeatedly asked for help combatting vaping addiction in our youth," Walczyk said. "These companies are wrong to prey on our children and I'm hopeful this will send the message 'Don't mess with our kids.’” 

"I'm thrilled about today's announcement, which will no doubt have a huge impact in the fight that we are facing as we work to break the grip vaping has on our youth," said Kristina Donders, former Reality Check member. "While the advocacy from my peers and I have helped make this possible, there's more work to be done.  I'd like to thank Senator Walczyk for his continued support of our efforts and we look forward to working with him and other members of the State Legislature to help put an end to these companies targeting children."