As a mother and grandmother, I want to express my appreciation for Sen. Susan Collins’ tireless efforts in advocating for the health and well-being of Maine kids.

As a trusted leader in Washington, I urge her to support the Food and Drug Administration’s proposed regulations to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.

The use of flavored cigars and menthol cigarettes among our youth has become a serious public health concern. The tobacco industry’s marketing tactics have made these harmful products more appealing to young people, leading to addiction and related health problems.

The addition of menthol to cigarettes has been found to make them even more addictive, which is especially concerning for our youth. Sen. Collins’ support for the FDA proposed regulations would help to reduce the availability of these harmful products and protect the health of our youth.

I appreciate Sen. Collins for always putting Maine kids first, and I urge her to continue her advocacy for Maine kids and support this important measure.

Denise Hurilla, Lewiston