DALLAS, November 9, 2022 — The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, joins voters in celebrating Election Day successes in select ballot initiatives across the country, including measures that broaden access to lifesaving health care by expanding Medicaid in South Dakota, reducing tobacco use by restricting the sale of flavored tobacco products in California, increasing funding for early care and education services in New Mexico and providing healthy school meals for all public school students in Colorado.

Following are statements from Nancy Brown, American Heart Association chief executive officer, about priority policy areas addressed in state ballot initiatives:

 

Medicaid expansion in South Dakota (Constitutional Amendment D)

“Self-employed people, small business owners, farmers and seasonal workers are among those who will gain access to quality health coverage now that South Dakota residents have voted to expand Medicaid.

“Uninsured and underinsured people with heart disease and stroke experience higher mortality rates, poorer blood pressure control and longer hospital stays. In addition, higher numbers of the uninsured raise costs for everyone in the health care system.

“Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia have now expanded Medicaid to ensure more of their citizens have access to health care. We continue to urge the remaining states to expand Medicaid so more people can access needed care to prevent and treat heart disease and stroke.”

Local news release: South Dakota voters approve Medicaid expansion

 

Ending the sale of flavored tobacco products in California (Proposition 31)

“California voters made a major statement in support of our children’s health and against the tobacco industry by voting to end the sale of most flavored tobacco products, including menthol. The passage of Prop. 31 reinstates the law that prohibits industry from targeting our children with candy, fruit and mint flavors that spark tobacco use and lead to a lifetime of nicotine addiction. Prop. 31 is a clear repudiation of the industry’s efforts to continue its decades-long practice of targeting youth, women, Black communities and others with menthol tobacco products, which are easier to inhale and result in stronger addiction.

“California now becomes the largest state in the nation to end the sale of flavored tobacco products. Communities throughout the state led the way by passing their own laws to prevent the tobacco industry from targeting them. We urge other states and communities nationwide to protect the health of their children and families by ending the sale of flavored tobacco products.”

Local news release: California votes to end sale of flavored tobacco products

 

Early Care and Education Funding in New Mexico (Amendment 1)
“New Mexico voters passed a strong public health measure in Amendment 1, which will invest in high-quality early childhood care, education services such as home visiting and pre-kindergarten, and services for at-risk students. Voices for Healthy Kids, an initiative of the American Heart Association, worked with Association staff and community partners in support of this critical initiative.

“The investment in early care and education will have a life-long impact on New Mexico’s children and families. In the first few years of life, a child’s brain develops rapidly, building an important foundation for future learning, behavior and health. Our children develop skills, knowledge and habits from birth to age 5 that are carried into adulthood. In fact, a 2014 study published in Science found that children who participate in high-quality early childhood programs are less likely to have cardiovascular and metabolic disease as adults.“

Local news release: American Heart Association applauds YES vote on early childhood care and education services for New Mexico children

 

Healthy school meals for all in Colorado (Proposition FF)

“Families won big as voters in Colorado moved to ensure that all students will have access to healthy school meals. Providing healthy school meals for all removes financial burdens for families, helps children who might be on the edge of eligibility access nutritious meals and eliminates the stigma some students face when they receive different meals than their peers.

“Healthy kids perform better at school. Studies show that providing kids with a healthy breakfast and lunch makes them more attentive and engaged in the classroom, leading to better grades, higher attendance rates and higher graduation rates – all of which set them up to live longer, healthier lives.

“State officials nationwide should follow the lead of Colorado and other states including California, Maine and Vermont by enacting laws to provide school meals to all students at no charge.”

Local news release: Proposition FF, Healthy School Meals for All, passes in Colorado providing universal free meals to all public school students

 

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for nearly a century. Connect with us on heart.orgFacebookTwitter or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.   

 

For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173

Shelly Hogan: 214-706-1782 or 512-689-0869; shelly.hogan@heart.org

Steve Weiss: 202-607-0911; steve.weiss@heart.org

 

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org