New e-cigarette tax bill - join Popvox and oppose it

[rothenbj]

Look at those colorful colorful packages advertising yummy flavors. What kid could resist! It's quite obvious that Big Pharma is marketing them to children. Aren't they the Cherry flavored Nicorette's on the bottom shelf in the smaller boxes? I knew PB had started flavoring vitamins as a gateway to what they really wanted to sell.

By the way. you should have pictured where the tobacco products are held as a comparison and used it in your presentation. Of course they already know that now, don't they?

 

[DC2]

Using "candy" as an adjective for a product that is intended for and used by adults, that is not marketed as candy, that is not labeled as candy, and that is not shelved with the candy--is misguided. If any kid mistakenly thinks these products are candy it will be because stories about candy tobacco made them believe that these products must taste good. The truth is they are helping some smokers stay off the cancer sticks. We have seen zero evidence that they are harming kids.

Who can say what might happen, though, if you keep falsely calling them "candy."

This is so spot on, but will have no effect on them whatsoever other than to make them hate you for making sense.

Seriously, all these tobacco harm folks are doing great work.
But you, Elaine, threaten to crush their dreams.

 

[BBell639]

Just like the govenment to attempt to infringe upon my right to ingest Nicotine in a less harmful way. My question is: if it taxes E-Cigs - then shouldn't it tax patches & gum at the same level? Its the same dang thing! Except with an E-Cig I am in charge and still get to inhale!

 

[rothenbj]

They don't tax Pharma drugs.

 

[sqirl1]

can you guys send out an e-mail to all members about this like you did the petition? we need more opposing votes, it seems to have stopped about 1500, we need a LOT more than that, we need that much per county

 

[Ruppy]

Computer generated response.......

Dear Ryan,

Thank you for sharing your concerns about the IDEA Full Funding Act. I understand how important this matter is to you, and I am grateful you took the time to be in touch about it.

I have worked hard during my career as a public official to support personal, professional and developmental opportunities that benefit individuals with disabilities and, while genuine progress has been made, we still have much to do in our country to ensure that people with disabilities have full access to the support they need. Additionally, I believe that Congress should continue to provide funding for federal programs that achieve these goals.

As you may know, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was passed by Congress more than 35 years ago to provide states with funding to educate children with disabilities, and to help make sure that students with disabilities receive free and appropriate public education. I am a strong supporter of IDEA and its intent to provide children with disabilities with a fair education in our public schools. I firmly believe that all children, including children with disabilities, deserve the same opportunity to learn in the least restrictive environment, and I have worked hard to make sure that federal funding is available for schools to meet these children's needs.

As for the legislation you mentioned, the IDEA Full Funding Act (S. 1403) was introduced by Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa on July 21, 2011. If enacted, this legislation would authorize the necessary funding to meet the Federal government's commitment to students with special needs until Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. This bill would be fully paid for by doubling the tax on cigarettes and small cigars and setting equivalent increases to other tobacco products. Others have written in with concerns about the offset. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, of which I am a member, but no hearing has been set to review the various opinions and concerns about the bill. I will be sure to keep your thoughts with me as the Committee considers this legislation.

Thank you again for contacting me to share your concerns. I wish you the very best.


With Warm Regards,

Jay Rockefeller

 

[rothenbj]

Dear Ryan,

I'll keep your concerns in mind while I vote to have the tobacco users pay for everyone else's social problems. They deserve to be punished. You really don't want the millionaires having to bear this burden, do you?

With Warm Regards,

Jay Rockefeller

 

[BCB]

You paraphrased that letter perfectly, rothenbj! Made me laugh out loud. Thanks.

 

[-=unkaphil=-]

did my thing opposed & commented

 

[MattZuke]

If enacted, this legislation would authorize the necessary funding to meet the Federal government's commitment to students with special needs until Fiscal Year (FY) 2021.

Only if people continue using tobacco products, when there is a push to get people off tobacco. Plus based on current CDC estimates, 45 of these tax payers drop dead every hour. As such, one can't expect any tobacco tax to be stable financing anyway. Should you place any value on IDEA funding, I suggest you find a stable source of income.

 

[Vocalek]

Only if people continue using tobacco products, when there is a push to get people off tobacco. Plus based on current CDC estimates, 45 of these tax payers drop dead every hour. As such, one can't expect any tobacco tax to be stable financing anyway. Should you place any value on IDEA funding, I suggest you find a stable source of income.

People who exercise live longer, healthier lives. A tax on their lifestyle (gym membership, exercise equipment, etc.) would provide a more dependable, stable source of income for this endeavor.

 

[skydragon]

Computer generated response.......

Dear Ryan,

Thank you for sharing your concerns about the IDEA Full Funding Act. I understand how important this matter is to you, and I am grateful you took the time to be in touch about it.

I have worked hard during my career as a public official to support personal, professional and developmental opportunities that benefit individuals with disabilities and, while genuine progress has been made, we still have much to do in our country to ensure that people with disabilities have full access to the support they need. Additionally, I believe that Congress should continue to provide funding for federal programs that achieve these goals.

As you may know, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was passed by Congress more than 35 years ago to provide states with funding to educate children with disabilities, and to help make sure that students with disabilities receive free and appropriate public education. I am a strong supporter of IDEA and its intent to provide children with disabilities with a fair education in our public schools. I firmly believe that all children, including children with disabilities, deserve the same opportunity to learn in the least restrictive environment, and I have worked hard to make sure that federal funding is available for schools to meet these children's needs.

As for the legislation you mentioned, the IDEA Full Funding Act (S. 1403) was introduced by Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa on July 21, 2011. If enacted, this legislation would authorize the necessary funding to meet the Federal government's commitment to students with special needs until Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. This bill would be fully paid for by doubling the tax on cigarettes and small cigars and setting equivalent increases to other tobacco products. Others have written in with concerns about the offset. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Finance, of which I am a member, but no hearing has been set to review the various opinions and concerns about the bill. I will be sure to keep your thoughts with me as the Committee considers this legislation.

Thank you again for contacting me to share your concerns. I wish you the very best.


With Warm Regards,

Jay Rockefeller

"Small cigars" is something I find interesting. Does anyone else wonder why it is only small cigars? Could it be because our politicians who smoke cigars, smoke large expensive cigars?

You may think it is nit picking but this is why I wonder if it is once again a hypocritical law.

When WI passed the no smoking in taverns etc law, one Republican lawmaker stood up and talked about the ill effects of tobacco and the costs of smoking. But then he said to the committee " but this law as written will also include cigars" In other words.........remember WE smoke expensive cigars. So yup................all of a sudden existing cigar bars were exempt.

 

[Thulium]

"Small cigars" is something I find interesting. Does anyone else wonder why it is only small cigars? Could it be because our politicians who smoke cigars, smoke large expensive cigars?

You may think it is nit picking but this is why I wonder if it is once again a hypocritical law.

When WI passed the no smoking in taverns etc law, one Republican lawmaker stood up and talked about the ill effects of tobacco and the costs of smoking. But then he said to the committee " but this law as written will also include cigars" In other words.........remember WE smoke expensive cigars. So yup................all of a sudden existing cigar bars were exempt.

They include "small cigars" because they know that tobacco companies have repackaged flavored cigarettes into tobacco wrappers (rather than paper) so they qualify as "cigars" and avoid the flavor restrictions on cigarettes.

...but yes, it does have everything to do with economic status.