Gutless in Frankfort

A couple of questions:

If 93 members of the House can pass this bill to limit kids smoking then why can’t they raise the cigarette tax by 70 cents to accomplish the same goal?

Is the answer they don’t have the guts to raise a tax but they can fine people for handing out cigarettes?

Is the answer that Democratic House Leadership owes so many favors to campaign contributors they get weak knees when it comes to protecting the health of our children?

And one other thing:

If Stan Lee and 5 others are so concerned about family values why couldn’t they bother to show up to vote? Maybe they were too busy at a convenience store on the Tennessee line handing out cigarettes to kids.

HB 474 (BR 1739) - J. Jenkins

AN ACT relating to tobacco products.

Amend KRS 438.313 to prohibit a person from purchasing on behalf of or giving tobacco products and cigarettes to persons under 18 years of age; establish a fine of $500 to $1000 for violations; amend 438.315 to prohibit a vending machine containing tobacco products to sell nontobacco products, except for matches.

Feb 6-introduced in House
Feb 7-to Licensing & Occupations (H)
Feb 28-posted in committee
Mar 5-reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar
Mar 6-2nd reading, to Rules
Mar 10-posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Mar 19-3rd reading, passed 93-0