Gov. Parson signs $2.5 million bill for tobacco prevention and cessation programming

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Gov. Mike Parson was at MU Health Care on Wednesday to discuss tobacco use prevention.

Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable disease and premature death in Missouri. There are 11,000 deaths caused by vaping and smoking each year, according to the release. The governor signed a $2.5 million bill for prevention efforts.

The money will go towards programs and policies that protect minors from tobacco products as well as educate them on the risks of e-cigarettes.

An MU student and tobacco cessation activist spoke to the crowd about the dangers of vape products listing off the flavors such as cotton candy that vapes come in.

"They all sound as if I was reading them off of labels at your local candy store, but unfortunately these are the flavors of tobacco and vapor products that these that are all made unmistakably to target minors," said DJ Yearwood.

The additional state funding is projected to save the state $21 million in future health care costs.