Galef Awarded “Breath of Fresh Air Award” on Behalf of Continued Support of Tobacco Control

May 29, 2009

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef, a longtime supporter of tobacco control, received the “Breath of Fresh Air” award from the Tobacco Control Partners of the Lower Hudson Valley on the 28th of May. Additionally, Assemblywoman Galef was commended by Governor Paterson for her strong support for tobacco control. Galef has introduced and supported many bills focusing on tobacco control.

The goal of the Tobacco Control Partners of the Lower Hudson Valley is to create cleaner, healthier air for all New Yorkers as well as decrease the number of total smokers by one million by the year 2010. With her legislation, Assemblywoman Galef has taken an active role in reaching this goal. “Smoking has become a world wide health crisis. It kills on average one person every eight seconds as well as claiming the lives of over 25,000 New Yorkers each year. In addition, 2,500 deaths per year arise from second hand smoke-related complications,” said Galef “It is important that we stay focused and take the necessary steps to lower these striking statistics.” Most recently Galef has introduced Bill A.722, which would increase the age of smoking tobacco from 18 years of age to 19, and Bill A.1137 which would prohibit smoking in playground areas.

“The battle against tobacco is a difficult one, yet even so it is one worth fighting” said Galef, “simply for the fact that controlling tobacco use could potentially save thousands of New Yorker’s lives. I am very proud to have received this award from the Tobacco Control Partners of the Lower Hudson Valley and will continue to work towards a cleaner, healthier New York.”

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