The Land of 10,000 Lakes has seen a bill introduced that would raise the tobacco purchase age from 18 to 21. The bill introduced by Rep. Heather Edelson (DFL-49A) is co-authored by Rena Moran (DFL-65A), Sandy Layman (R-58), Dave Baker (R-17B), Kelly Morrison (DFL-33B), Jennifer Schultz (DFL-07A) and Mary Kunesh-Podein (DFL-41B). The measure could become problematic for smokers in the state as the bill contains language that includes the prohibiting of tobacco in public schools […]
The beginning of the New Year marks the opening of state capitols across the nation, as legislative bodies begin their deliberations for 2017. We are only in the opening days of January 2017, and already there are cigar related bills, both positive and negative, in almost a dozen states. CRA will work to keep you informed of legislation that we need to either support or defeat over the course of the coming weeks and months. With […]
Each week we share some of the news that comes across our desk about upcoming legislation.. This week we have stories from Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri and Texas. Illinois – The proposal to raise the state tobacco from 18 to 21 advanced to the full chamber of the senate this week. The measure passed a committee hearing 6-3 via The Southern Illinoisan. Maryland – The Town Council of Mount Airy banned smoking in parks this […]
On Monday, the Albert Lea, Minnesota City Council voted 4-3 to ban smoking and all tobacco products in city-owned parks. Violation of the new ordinance will be a petty misdemeanor. The troubling quote from the meeting comes from Erin Simmons of the American Lung Association who smoke for the ban stated, “What we permit, we promote.” Which to me reminds me a bit of communism and not the democracy my grandfather fought for in World […]
According to the City Council of Prior Lake, Minnesota smoking lounges are prohibited in the city of Prior Lake. The council which adopted an ordinance over the last couple of meetings now requires businesses that sell tobacco-related products to obtain a license to do so. It also prohibits lounges where tobacco is smoked. However, customers will be allowed to sample tobacco products, just not in a lounge like setting. Prior Lake, MN is home 24,000 […]
A proposal by Republican Representative Jim Nash in the state of Minnesota would significantly reduce taxes on premium cigars. The state held a hearing yesterday not he proposal, which will continue into today. Currently the tax in Minnesota on premium cigars is 95 percent of the wholesale cost, up to a total of $3.50. Meanwhile, across the state line in Wisconsin the tobacco tax is 50 cents. The proposed tax cut would move Minnesota premium […]
Starting on November 1st, 2014 it will be illegal to light up on grounds owned by Redwood County in the state of Minnesota. However, Plum Creek Park will not be subjected to the new law due to its size and this inability to properly enforce the new ruling. In addition all foster care homes and daycare facilities licensed by the county are now required to be smoke free as well. According to Carol Biren, director […]