ALMAS Students Make Their Voices Heard on Tobacco Legislation

The Two Rivers ALMAS student service group was back at the State Capitol this year, pushing for more anti-tobacco legislation. On March 5, ALMAS joined students and advocates from across the state for the Smoke-Free Generation Day at the Capitol, with the common goal of saving Minnesota youth from tobacco addiction. 

The group started the day at the Minnesota History Center, where they helped with advocacy training. Shoutout to Two Rivers senior Quinn Hendel, who emceed the morning program, and Two Rivers sophomore Ale Montesinos Rendón for participating in a training skit showing youth how to communicate with lawmakers and understand their roles in the lobbying efforts.

The group then marched to the State Capitol, where ALMAS students met with Representative Mary Frances Clardy, Representative Rick Hansen, and Senator Matt Klein, who listened to the students about the proposed bill HF2177 to end the sale of all flavored commercial tobacco products (including flavored vapes, cigars, chew, menthol cigarettes, and flavored hookah) across the state. A special thank you to Representative Mary Frances Clardy for inviting the students into the House of Representatives chamber for a picture. 

Thank you, ALMAS, for continuing the fight against tobacco products targeted at our youth! We are so proud of our students for showing leadership and exercising their voice to be the power of change.

#WarriorStrong