Council members issue joint letter, urging state legislative support on key tobacco law
A joint letter (attached) from 11 members of the Common Council was sent yesterday (October 23) to each member of the Milwaukee delegation in the state Senate and Assembly, asking for their sponsorship and support of LRB 2352, the Wisconsin Tobacco 21 Act.
This bill closes a critical loophole in state law by raising the minimum age for the sale, purchase, and possession of cigarettes, tobacco, nicotine products, and vaping devices from 18 to 21 — bringing Wisconsin into alignment with federal law. Forty-five other states, including all of Wisconsin’s neighbors, have already acted.
In part, the letter states: “Wisconsin’s outdated statute creates confusion for retailers and law enforcement while giving high school seniors legal access to tobacco products, which are then easily shared with younger students. Nearly 95% of smokers start before age 21. Raising the age to 21 cuts off this supply chain, reduces youth addiction, and lowers long-term healthcare costs.”
October 23, 2025
To the Milwaukee Legislative Delegation,
As members of the Milwaukee Common Council, we urge you to co-sponsor and support LRB 2352, the Wisconsin Tobacco 21 Act.
This bill closes a critical loophole in state law by raising the minimum age for the sale, purchase, and possession of cigarettes, tobacco, nicotine products, and vaping devices from 18 to 21—bringing Wisconsin into alignment with federal law. Forty-five other states, including all of our neighbors, have already acted.
Wisconsin’s outdated statute creates confusion for retailers and law enforcement while giving high school seniors legal access to tobacco products, which are then easily shared with younger students. Nearly 95% of smokers start before age 21. Raising the age to 21 cuts off this supply chain, reduces youth addiction, and lowers long-term healthcare costs.
This is smart, bipartisan, science-backed policy. We strongly urge your co-sponsorship of LRB 2352 to protect Wisconsin’s youth and simplify enforcement for retailers and law enforcement alike.
Respectfully,
José G. Pérez
Peter Burgelis
JoCasta Zamarripa
Sharlen Moore
Lamont Westmoreland
Mark Chambers, Jr.
Andrea M. Pratt
Larresa Taylor
Russell W. Stamper, II
DiAndre Jackson
Marina Dimitrijevic
Find more press releases HERE.