"Recession sets back no-smoking legislation" by Kristen Wyatt, Associated Press | February 5, 2009
DENVER - In this economy, lawmakers may be more willing to let people smoke 'em if they've got 'em. As recently as last year, many states and major cities seemed ready to adopt complete indoor smoking bans. But the movement to kick all smokers outdoors has stalled as the recession worsens and lawmakers fear hurting business at bars, restaurants, and casinos.
Yup, when the rubber hits the road you see who REALLY RULES this nation!
"This economy, it creates a little more sympathy for the businessperson. So when we say this is going to put us out of business, believe me, they're listening," said Mike Moser, executive director of the Wyoming State Liquor Association.
Twenty-three states, as well as Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, have indoor smoking bans covering bars and restaurants. No other states have adopted a ban in the early weeks of this year's legislative sessions. In Colorado, lawmakers are considering easing the rules that now ban smoking in most bars, restaurants, and casinos.
I can't imagine being unable to smoke in a bar; those are two things that GO TOGETHER!
New Jersey put off a smoking ban for Atlantic City casinos after five of 11 casinos warned they could file for bankruptcy by year's end. In Virginia, a proposed statewide ban stalled this year after lawmakers expressed concern about the economy. Moser's group opposes an indoor smoking ban that has been offered in Wyoming. After businesses raised objections, state lawmakers last month exempted bars from the legislation.
Health advocates are citing the economy to argue their side, too. With state budgets burdened by rising healthcare costs, banning smoking saves the government money in the long run, they say.
Why don't you leave that decision to ME?
I WILL DECIDE what goes into my body, 'kay?
It's a little idea we call LIBERTY around here!
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Is it just me, or is anyone else bothered by the fact that we spend taxpayer dollars discouraging a legal product, then turn around try to tax that product to pay for services? Talk about the drying up of a revenue source. We are doing it too ourselves!
"Obama signs children's healthcare bill; Expansion to insure 4 million" by Noam N. Levey, Los Angeles Times | February 5, 2009
WASHINGTON - .... The measure - funded primarily by boosting the federal tax on cigarettes by 61 cents, to $1 a pack - sailed through the House....
Obama, before signing the bill in the East Room of the White House.... drew on language from an earlier era, when Washington more openly embraced the expansion of the government-funded safety net. "We're not a nation that leaves struggling families to fend for themselves," he said....
Did he say that with a straight face or.... ?
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