Oregon Department of Justice

Attorney General Hardy Myers today announced the members of the Attorney General's Committee on Kids and Tobacco. The Committee includes representatives of law enforcement, health organizations and tobacco retailers. The first of six regional committee meetings will be held in the cafeteria of Roosevelt High School in Portland on Wednesday, March 29 at 3:00 p.m.

"The Committee will educate Oregonians about the danger tobacco poses to children, explain current programs for reducing underage tobacco use and solicit suggestions from members of the public about additional steps we can take to reduce underage tobacco use," Myers said. "I extend a special invitation to young people to attend and participate in each forum."

Myers formed the committee after an undercover investigation conducted by Department of Justice determined that children readily purchase tobacco products despite laws prohibiting the sale of tobacco to minors. It is estimated that approximately one in four Oregon teenagers regularly smoke cigarettes, Myers said.

The Committee will conduct community forums in six regions of the state. Each forum will include expert testimony about the toxic effects of tobacco products on children. Experts also will describe how and why children begin to smoke. Up to an hour of public testimony will conclude each forum.

Members of the Committee are:

Following is the Committee's meeting schedule. With the exception of the Portland meeting at Roosevelt High School, meeting locations will be announced at a later date.

March 29, Portland
April 27, Eugene
May 25, Medford
July 27, Pendleton
September 14, Bend
October 26, Salem