New York AG announces $4.7 million for CNY in settlement with JUUL over youth vaping

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Central New York counties and some school districts will share a total of $4.7 million from the state’s settlement with JUUL Labs Inc. for its role in the youth vaping “epidemic.” The regional money is part of the $462 million multistate settlement with JUUL, New York State Attorney General Letitia James said in announcing the award on Tuesday. James announced the dollar amount during a visit to Public Service Leadership Academy at Fowler High School in Syracuse. The youth vaping led to a “dangerous rise” in underage e-cigarette use nationwide, per James’ office. Altogether, New York was awarded a total of $112.7 million through the settlement, which James is distributing to every county, Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and the five largest cities in the state to support programs that will help reduce and prevent underage vaping. “Like the big tech companies that have fueled a mental health crisis among young people with their addictive products, JUUL marketed its dangerous and addictive vapes to children, putting millions at risk,” James contended in a news release. “Across our state, e-cigarette use among kids spiked after JUUL hit the market. I’m proud that my office ensured JUUL paid for the damage they did to young people. The funds we secured will help schools and communities in Central New York fight back against the youth vaping epidemic. I thank all of my partners in government for their partnership in this effort to protect our children.” James sued JUUL in November 2019 for what she said was its “deceptive and misleading marketing that glamorized vaping and targeted young people.” Money distribution The Syracuse City School District, area counties, and BOCES will split the funds. Counties

• Cayuga County — $397,684.96
• Cortland County —$276,771.10
• Madison County — $396,519.43
• Onondaga County — $1,452,272.89
• Oswego County — $582,809.54

School Districts / BOCES

• Syracuse City School District — $322,481.76
• Cayuga-Onondaga BOCES — $188,908.33
• Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES — $857,352.80
• CiTi BOCES in Oswego —$299,339.81