STATEHOUSE (Feb. 16, 2022) – State Reps. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) and Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) recently welcomed the Hancock County VOICE action group to the Statehouse as they advocated for a tobacco-free lifestyle.
As members of VOICE, students aged 13 to 18 strive to engage, educate and empower young Hoosiers to become leaders and advocate in their communities. Health officials in Indiana partner with these local teens to launch campaigns targeted at reducing tobacco use and nicotine use among our youth.
"It's so important for groups like VOICE to continue growing in Indiana," Jeter said. "Not only are these students encouraging their peers to live a tobacco and nicotine-free life, but they are also gaining leadership skills that will benefit them and our community in the future."
Jeter said new developments in vaping and e-cigarettes have increased tobacco use among teens.
"Unfortunately, tobacco and nicotine products have only grown in popularity among Hoosier youth in recent years," Cherry said. "Students in VOICE are leaders in their school and community, and they should be proud for taking a stand against smoking."
According to a study by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 2 million U.S. middle and high school students reported using e-cigarettes in 2021, with more than 8 in 10 of those youth using flavored e-cigarettes.
Cherry said it is groups like VOICE that inspired him to support legislation in the past like increasing the smoking age to 21, increasing the cigarette tax and backing smoking cessation initiatives.
For additional information on the VOICE action team visit voiceindiana.org/index.php/about/ or email info@voiceindiana.org.
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State Rep. Bob Cherry (R-Greenfield) represents House District 53,
which includes portions of Hancock and Madison counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
State Rep. Chris Jeter (R-Fishers) represents House District 88,
which includes portions of Marion, Hamilton and Hancock counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
