TCMS IN ACTION

ANNIE KRAPEK, MPH, CEO

As we look toward 2022, advocacy is top of mind at TCMS. With the 2022 legislative session just around the corner, TCMS is hard at work planning our advocacy work with a focus on policies that create healthier communities. Our legislative priorities next year will include: • Prohibiting the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol tobacco

We know that flavored tobacco plays a significant role in introducing youth and young adults to tobacco products. Flavored tobacco is a significant driver of tobacco-related health inequities, and menthol tobacco has been aggressively marketed to Black and LGBTQ+ communities. That’s why TCMS has worked to support the restriction and prohibition of flavored tobacco products since 2015, engaging dozens of medical student and physician advocates and supporting the passage of local policies in over 21 municipalities across Minnesota. During the 2022 legislative session, TCMS will be on the front lines at the state level advocating for restrictions on all flavored tobacco products, including menthol tobacco. • Making healthy drinks the default for children’s meals in Minnesota

Sugary drinks are associated with many chronic conditions including heart disease, high blood pressure, and Type 2 diabetes. There are also marked disparities in sugary drinks consumption—nearly 25% of

American Indian youth and 21% of Black youth in Minnesota have three or more sugary drinks per day, compared with 9% of white youth.

These statistics are due in large part to high-pressure marketing tactics used by the beverage industry. TCMS will continue to lead efforts to pass the Healthy Kids’ Meals Bill, making milk, water, and unsweetened milk alternatives the default for kids’ meals in Minnesota. House File 1307 and

Senate File 1363 have strong bipartisan support and are backed by a coalition of healthcare and public health organizations. • Providing access to free nutritious food at school for all Minnesota students

One in every six children in Minnesota experiences food insecurity and nearly 30% of Black households with children have experienced hunger at some point during the pandemic. Providing consistent, healthy food for all of Minnesota’s students is critical for our children’s health and learning.

Federal waivers have allowed schools to provide free food to all students throughout COVID-19. It’s vital we guarantee that Minnesota’s children do not experience hunger when these

Federal policies end. TCMS will work with our partners at Hunger Solutions to advance legislation to ensure that every child in Minnesota has access to free, nutritious school meals. In addition to these legislative priorities, TCMS will be working to expand our grassroots advocacy efforts around other key issues including homelessness, gun violence prevention, and COVID-19 vaccination requirements. During my time with TCMS, I’ve seen the incredible impact that physician and medical student advocacy can have on lawmakers. Doctors can make a real difference in the health of our community when they come together and advocate for important health policies. I hope you will join us in advocating on these critical public health and health equity issues in 2022. Please reach out to TCMS staff for ways you can get involved, and don’t forget to renew your membership with TCMS. You can renew at www. metrodoctors.com/membership or using the enclosed reply envelope.

Dr. Alex Feng testifying in favor of restricting flavored tobacco at the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2020. Dr. Pete Dehnel speaking in favor of Healthy Kids Meals at a 2020 press conference.

Dr. Ryan Greiner testifying in favor of tobacco control policies at the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2021.