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EQUITY STATEMENT Our Values The Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota (ANSR) is a values-driven organization. We regularly review, discuss, and document the values that drive our work. Read Our Values (PDF) Why Does ANSR Have an Equity Statement? Equity, specifically health equity, is both an ANSR value and central to ANSR’s mission . For 50 years ANSR has been dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drug use in Minnesota. These costs disproportionately fall on already marginalized (e.g. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, low-income) communities and are embedded throughout our society in public laws, institutional policies and practices, societal norms and workplace culture. We at ANSR acknowledge that structural injustices (i.e., inequities) exist in our society that unjustly advantage some and disadvantage others. We acknowledge that racism, white supremacy, and prejudice are at the root of these inequities and that countering these injustices takes deliberate and ongoing actions. The work we do in policy advocacy, research, substance misuse prevention, and community engagement is both shaped and impacted by equity. To accomplish our mission, we must acknowledge and address inequities in our community, in our workplace, and in society. Equity is important to our organization and community partners. We work in, with, and for communities. Our partners’ daily lives are impacted by inequities. By talking about and addressing these inequities, we hope to develop more trusting and authentic relationships with our partners and allies. As an organization we are committed to learning and action. This statement is a living document for ANSR to revisit, process, and grow equity in our work. How Are We Learning About Equity? ANSR continuously seeks to learn about the following topics surrounding equity and inclusion: Fostering anti-bias workplace culture including in hiring, supervision, and programming. Initiating important conversations about identity, bias, prejudice, and stereotypes. Taking action against bias-based mistreatment. Developing policy initiatives and program materials with an equity-first approach. ANSR also engages with these topics through training, suggested readings, and continuing education opportunities. ANSR recognizes that this is not a comprehensive list, and we welcome new suggested topic areas for learning and professional and personal growth. Our Goals to Center Equity in Our Workplace and Work: Maintain a “Spectrum Committee” to support, empower, and foster an inclusive environment for all staff, Board of Directors, partners, and visitors. Regularly conduct an organization-wide analysis of systemic racism, power, and discrimination in all forms. Articulate our analysis to members and partners. Prioritize equity when developing and implementing programs and policy. Hold equity- and antiracism-focused trainings. Diversify organizational leadership and internal decision makers. Create mechanisms for input, accountability, and ongoing feedback from staff, community partners, and the public. When You See We Can Do Better, Tell Us. ANSR’s goal is to center equity and our values in all of our work. We know that this requires thoughtful commitment. We are still learning. We’ve fallen short in the past and are working to do better in the future. When you see we can do better, tell us. Land Acknowledgement Statement Against Racism Statement Against Antisemitism Statement Against Islamophobia Statement Against 2SLGBTQ+ Discrimination Statement archive (PDF). *Thank you to The Improve Group and The Loft for inspiring this equity statement. *Statement finalized April 2024

OUR MISSION ANSR is dedicated to reducing the human and economic costs of commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drug use in Minnesota. Our core commitments are: to protect young Minnesotans from a lifetime of addiction; to ensure that all Minnesotans can breathe clean, smoke-free air everywhere; and to reduce health inequities and other disparities in relation to commercial tobacco, nicotine and other drugs. In 1975, ANSR helped pass the nation’s first comprehensive state clean indoor air legislation. Since then, ANSR has continued to play a leading role in shaping tobacco policy and has been involved in every major state-wide policy, such as the Freedom to Breathe Act in 2007 and raising the tobacco tax in 2013. ANSR helped Minneapolis and Saint Paul restrict the sales of flavored tobacco, including menthol, and also helped Edina become the first Minneapolis city to raise the tobacco sales age to 21. Financial Documents 2023 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2023 Federal Form 990 Annual Reports 2023 Annual Report 2022 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2022 Federal Form 990 2022 Annual Report 2021 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2021 Federal Form 990 2021 Annual Report 2020 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2020 Federal Form 990 2020 Annual Report 2019 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2019 Federal Form 990 2019 Annual Report 2018 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2018 Federal Form 990 2018 Annual Report 2017 ANSR Audited Financial Statements 2017 Federal Form 990 2017 Annual Report

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In March 2026, the Minneapolis Health Department and the Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota conducted a survey of commercial tobacco retailers in Minneapolis. The purpose of the survey was to evaluate the impact of changes in 2024 and 2025 to the Minneapolis City Tobacco Dealer Ordinance (Title 13, Chapter 281). These changes include: Setting a minimum price for cigarettes at $15.00 per pack. Setting a minimum price for cigars at $3.75 for 1 and $15.00 for a package of 4. Setting a minimum price for vapes/e-cigarettes at $25.00 Prohibition of the use of coupons for commercial tobacco products. Survey questions were designed to obtain information about: whether retailers felt they received adequate information about the policy changes, whether they understood the policy changes, whether they believed other commercial tobacco stores were following the policy changes, impacts on customer behavior, and resources that would be helpful when policy changes are made. A QR code with a link to an online survey was distributed via email and postcard to 289 commercial tobacco license holders in Minneapolis. A total of 33 responses were received (11.4% response rate). Most of the respondents identified as store owners (94%) from small businesses (90%). A majority of respondents (79%) reported that they were provided information about the commercial tobacco policy changes in Minneapolis (those that reported they ‘agreed’ or ‘somewhat agreed’). A majority of respondents (76%) reported that they understood the commercial tobacco policy changes in Minneapolis (those that reported they ‘agreed’ or ‘somewhat agreed’). About a third of respondents (27%) reported that they believed other commercial tobacco product shops were following the new policies (those that reported they ‘agreed’ or ‘somewhat agreed’) and about 20% reported that they did not believe that other commercial tobacco product shops were following the new policies (those that reported ‘somewhat disagree’ and ‘disagree’). A majority of respondents (66%) reported that customers were aware of the commercial tobacco policy changes (those that reported they ‘agreed’ or ‘somewhat agreed’), while 21% reported that customers were not aware of the changes (those that reported ‘somewhat disagree’ and ‘disagree’). About a third of respondents (33%) reported that customers had reduced the amount of commercial tobacco products they were purchasing since the policy changes, while the same amount (33%) reported no change in customer buying patterns since the changes. Participants noted that they would like additional resources from the City of Minneapolis to increase customer awareness about the policy change and to demonstrate that the resulting higher prices were because of city policies, and not the choice of the individual store. Although several respondents commented that they were frustrated with the City of Minneapolis setting high prices for commercial tobacco products, they also noted that they understood the public health rationale for the policy change with comments such as, “I understand that the council felt this would help slow tobacco use.” Respondents also noted that policy changes at the state level would be more impactful, as they believed this would make customers be less likely to go to another jurisdiction to purchase commercial tobacco products.

Councilmembers vote to protect youth and join over 30 other Minnesota communities that have limited the sale of flavored tobacco. Plymouth, Minn. (April 29, 2026) – The Plymouth City Council voted to pass sweeping changes to the Plymouth City Code that includes ending the sale of flavored tobacco within city limits. The city council put the health and wellbeing of youth first, recognizing that flavors hook kids and strong local policies are necessary to remove access to highly addictive substances like tobacco and nicotine. Plymouth joins over 30 other Minnesota communities that have restricted the sale of flavored tobacco, and 30.4% of Minnesotans already live in communities that have taken action to pass policies that limit the sale of flavored tobacco. The Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota and local advocates applaud the Plymouth City Council for their support and protection of Plymouth youth. “As a business owner myself, I know what it’s like to have regulations change, and I understand this has an impact. As a policymaker, I have to look at the impact as an entire population, as an entire city,” said Plymouth councilmember Joel Spoonheim during the city council meeting on April 28. “Nicotine is addictive – it increases mental health issues like anxiety and depression, especially when introduced to young people before the age of 25. Right now, this is one issue where we can be part of the solution in the region, and as the seventh largest Minnesota city, I do feel it’s our responsibility to make the best decisions we can.” “When I view this ordinance, I have to balance out the side of me that wants to be very pro-business with that of public health,” said Plymouth councilmember Kimberly Nelson during the city council meeting on April 28. “We’re talking about nicotine and tobacco being the number one preventable public health problem in America — which is also leading to massive health care costs. As much as I take a lot of pride in Plymouth being a city that is business-friendly, we also have to make sure that we’re staying one of the healthiest cities.” Tobacco use remains the number one killer in Minnesota, claiming nearly 6,000 lives and costing Minnesotans over $4.7 billion in excess healthcare costs every year. The tobacco industry has a long history of targeting kids with candy-like flavors and misleading marketing to build a customer base of lifelong users. Nearly 14% of Minnesota high school students reported using e-cigarettes during the past 30 days, and 76% of Minnesota students who have ever tried a commercial tobacco product started with a flavored one. National data show that about 95% of adult smokers begin smoking before they turn 21.  The Plymouth City Council first discussed potential amendments to the tobacco licensing ordinance at study sessions on Oct. 28, 2025, and Jan. 27, 2026. Following these discussions, staff prepared a draft ordinance incorporating council direction. A public hearing was held on April 13, 2026, following a required notice to all license holders in accordance with Minnesota State Statute 461.19. After the hearing, the council directed staff to return with the ordinance as presented for consideration of adoption at the April 28 meeting. “Policies like the ones before you — ending the sale of flavored tobacco products, limiting retailer density and eliminating price promotions — prioritize the well-being of people over the profits of the tobacco industry,” said Dr. Lisa Mattson, Plymouth resident and president of Minnesota Medical Association, during the April 13 public hearing. “These policies will prevent youth initiation, support quitting and protect the health of all Plymouth residents.” “For such dangerous items, tobacco products are far too attractive and far too attainable because of the profit-centered methods of the tobacco industry,” said Shivam Srivastava, Plymouth resident and sophomore at Breck School, during the April 13 public hearing. “Youth suffer the greatest consequences of these policies, and as a high schooler, I have seen and heard these stories firsthand. Restricting tobacco sellers and prohibiting the sale of flavored tobacco products is a crucial step in protecting Minnesotan youth, and a step that many cities across Minnesota have already taken.” The sweeping package of Plymouth City Code changes includes revising tobacco product definitions, licensing, prohibited acts, penalties, severability and license fees including: Prohibiting the sale of flavored products Setting the maximum number of new tobacco licenses at zero Establishing a 500-foot buffer from schools and youth-oriented park amenities for new licenses Eliminating couponing and price promotions Increasing the annual license fee Increasing administrative penalties for violations Updating ordinance language (purpose, definitions and severability) Read the full City of Plymouth ordinance changes here.

The Association for Nonsmokers – Minnesota and NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center conducted pre and post store assessments in Minneapolis to assess compliance with changes to the city’s tobacco ordinance in 2024 and 2025. A sample of commercial tobacco retailers were evaluated to measure store compliance with: May 2024 ordinance change (1) setting a minimum price per pack of cigarettes and other commercial tobacco products of $15.00 and (2) disallowing price discounts and coupons for commercial tobacco products. July 2025 ordinance change setting a minimum price for e-cigarettes/vapes of $25.00. Of 314 tobacco license holders in Minneapolis, a sample of approximately 30 stores were assessed before and after the implementation of the two tobacco ordinance changes. A pre-assessment was done in October 2023, and post-assessments were completed in December 2024 and December 2025. Stores were selected to be a representative sample of different types of stores (tobacco-only stores, convenience stores, and chain stores), as well as different neighborhoods and regions of the city. Each assessment used a slightly different sample of stores, resulting in 25 stores that were checked at all three points in time and an additional 4 stores that were checked at both post-assessments. Of the 29 stores checked at both post-assessments, the number of stores that were in compliance (did NOT sell a pack of cigarettes for under $15) went from 21 (72%) in December 2024 to 27 (93%) in December 2025. The number of stores that were in compliance (did NOT sell a can of chew for under $15) went from 17 (59%) in December 2024 to 25 (86%) in December 2025. This demonstrates that the tobacco ordinance change was effective at maintaining high prices for commercial tobacco products, and compliance improved over time. The December 2025 store assessment was modified to check prices for e-cigarettes/vapes, given the Minneapolis minimum price ordinance for vapes passed six months prior (July 2025). Of the 29 stores checked, 21 (72%) were in compliance (did not sell a vape for under $25). This demonstrates additional work is needed to improve compliance; however, based on the results for other commercial tobacco products, compliance may improve over time. Of the 25 stores checked at all points in time, the number of stores that were in compliance with not having in-store promotions for any tobacco products went from 20 (80%) before the ordinance change to 19 (76%) in December 2024 and 25 (100%) in December 2025. Most stores (80%) did not have promotions prior to the ordinance; however, that improved to no stores having tobacco promotions by approximately 16 months after the ordinance disallowing price discounts and coupons was implemented. Based on this evaluation, the Minneapolis tobacco ordinance changes were effective at maintaining high cigarette and chew prices and ending in-store promotions. Compliance with the city’s tobacco ordinance improved over time, though more work is needed to increase compliance with the new vape minimum price.