Tom Pauley, candidate for state representative in the 44th House District, applauds Governor Nixon’s veto of Caleb Rowden’s tobacco industry bill
For Immediate Release: July 15, 2014
Press Contact: Kevin Stamps: 636-208-6570
(COLUMBIA, MO) — “I’m glad Gov. Nixon was able to see through the smoke and mirrors of those promoting this bill that was designed to aid the tobacco industry,” Pauley said. “Regulating youth access to electronic cigarettes is an important issue, but you don’t have to cave into the tobacco companies to accomplish that goal.”
Senate Bill 841, the bill the Governor vetoed, would have exempted e-cigarettes from the regulation and taxes of tobacco products — an obvious and lucrative loophole for the tobacco industry. For this reason, Missouri chapters of several leading health organizations, including the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Association and the Missouri State Medical Association opposed SB 841. Caleb Rowden was the House handler of SB 841.
“Who do you think is more concerned about the effect of e-cigarettes on kids – doctors and health care advocates, or the tobacco industry?” asked Pauley, D-Hallsville.
“During the next legislative session, a representative who is not under the influence of the tobacco industry should craft a bill that truly helps protect Missouri’s kids,” Pauley said. “Sponsoring tobacco industry legislation and claiming that it ‘came from your brain’ is not a responsible way to act and is not responsive to the true needs of the people of Boone and Randolph counties.”
-END-
—
Respectfully,
Kevin Stamps
c. 636-208-6570
