Palmesano and Friend Meet With Southern Tier Tobacco Awareness Coalition Reality Check in Capitol
From left to right: Michelle Larimore, Shane Lehman (Corning Painted Post High School), Wally Longwell (Ernie Davis Academy), Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats), Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning), Arianna Haskins (Corning Painted Post High School), Amber Updike (STEM Academy), Samantha White.
Recently, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning) and Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) met with a group of young people from Southern Tier Tobacco Awareness Coalition (STTAC) and Reality Check in Albany.
These students shared some important concerns with the legislators. They noted that over 22% of adults in Steuben County are smokers. 26% of adults in Chemung County smoke. The statewide average is only 14%. They’re particularly concerned with the tobacco industry’s marketing tactics.
“We thank these students for standing up as leaders among their peers for raising awareness about the dangers of tobacco and vaping products. We’re supportive of prevention and education efforts championed by groups like STTAC and Reality Check. We want to thank these young men and women for their leadership, education, advocacy and commitment",” said the lawmakers.