First governor veto

[FreedomAngel82]

Link: http://chattanoogan.com/articles/article_68480.asp

Snip: <Gov. Bredesen Vetoes Tobacco Legislation
Cites Legal Risks Related To Tobacco Payments
posted June 20, 2005

NASHVILLE — Governor Phil Bredesen today vetoed tobacco legislation, citing concerns by the Attorney General that the bill poses “a substantial and serious threat” to payments the State is receiving under the landmark Master Settlement Agreement with tobacco companies. The veto is Gov. Bredesen’s first.

The legislation would have taxed certain small cigarette manufacturers in order to discourage underage smoking and raise an estimated $12 million for improvements to Tennessee’s healthcare safety net. After vetoing the bill, Bredesen instructed Finance and Administration Commissioner Dave Goetz to replace the lost safety net funds as soon as possible by looking for cuts elsewhere in the Fiscal Year 05-06 budget, which takes effect July 1.

“We’re talking about a relatively modest amount of money that will be fully absorbed with small reductions in other areas of the budget,” Bredesen said. “This veto won’t undermine our efforts to strengthen the healthcare safety net.”

As introduced, SB2002 would have broadly taxed cigarette sales — as well as sales of liquor, wine and beer — in order to raise money for TennCare. The measure stalled in legislative committees, but in late May was amended to focus the tax on certain small cigarette makers, also known as “non-participating manufacturers” under the tobacco Master Settlement Agreement.

The Master Settlement Agreement, a legal agreement the State of Tennessee entered into in fall 1998, requires leading U.S. cigarette makers to reimburse the State for smoking-related illness costs incurred by TennCare. Since then, tobacco companies have paid the State more than $1 billion. In the current fiscal year, the State will receive more than $153 million.>

[napi21]

1. So just how much do you want from the tobacco co's?

$153 million isn't enough to suit you? Give it a rest!!! Go milk McDonalds or Burger King or some other "sin tax" that will make you a happy camper.