Can Clinton Save the Tobacco Towns?

Dateline: 09/26/00

Good morning, Secretary Glickman. Your mission, whether you want it or not, is to make sure that American communities dependent on tobacco products for their survival enjoy a bright and prosperous economic future, without endangering the public heath by encouraging the use of tobacco.

Even the mythical Impossible Missions Force might pass on that daunting assignment. But, under an Executive Order issued from the White House on Sept. 22, 2000, the "President's Commission on Improving Economic Opportunity in Communities Dependent on Tobacco Production while Protecting Public Health," will be established and assigned to, "... advise the President on changes occurring in the tobacco farming economy and recommend such measures as may be necessary to improve economic opportunity and development in communities that are dependent on tobacco production, while protecting consumers, particularly children, from hazards associated with smoking." [Complete text of the Executive Order.]

According to the President's Order, he and Secretary of Agriculture Dan Glickman will select no more than 10 Commission members from among tobacco producers, and quota holders; public health experts; Federal, State, and local government representatives; and experts in areas of agricultural economics and economic development.

Basically, President Clinton wants the Commission to hold public hearings, gather and review data about changes in modern tobacco farming, plus any existing programs designed to provide economic assistance to tobacco growers and their communities. 

As a final product, the President expects the Commission to:

1. Report on any changes to existing programs and new programs necessary to improve economic opportunity in communities dependent on tobacco production. 
   
   
2. Consider the public health implications of such changes and initiatives, including the efforts to reduce youth smoking and tobacco-related health consequences in the United States and abroad.

President Clinton expects a preliminary report on his desk by December 31, 2000, and a final report delivered to whoever's sitting at his desk no later than 6 months after the first meeting of the Commission.

That's the same President Clinton who, in February 2000, proposed a 25-cents per pack increase in the federal cigarette tax and a plan to fine tobacco companies that fail to take steps to control smoking by under-age Americans. [See: Clinton - Raise Cigarette Tax / Impose Fines]

Under the Executive Order, the Commission is to terminate 30 days after submitting its final report.

As always, however, should someone else, who is not now Vice President Gore, be president in six months, this Executive Order will probably self-destruct. Good luck, Dan.

What would you do?
If you were on the President's Commission on Improving Economic Opportunity in Communities Dependent on Tobacco Production while Protecting Public Health, that is? 

Okay, first you'd shorten your Commission's name, but after that, what? Recruit new business and industry? That's always a good idea, but in these days of no cigarette ads and smokers either kicking the habit or dying in record numbers, how and what kinds of industries do you recruit into your town when 90 percent of its adult population depends on good tobacco crop to make a living? How do you keep the kids in town after they graduate from high school, or bring them home after they finish college? How would you save a tobacco town?

Reference Links

History of Tobacco Production in America
"Historical records show that John Rolfe began commercial cultivation of tobacco in Virginia as early as 1612, with subsequent shipments to England." From the USDA

Tobacco: World Markets and Trade (USDA)
Latest news from the tobacco industry, plus a wealth of charts and graphs showing the range and economic impact of the tobacco industry in the U.S. and around the world.

USDA's Rural Development Agency Programs
RDA promotes economic development in rural America by supporting loans to businesses through banks and community-managed lending pools and other programs. They will be heavily involved in planning to assist the tobacco communities.

Tobacco Settlements and Litigation
The tobacco industry has made a settlement agreement with most states to pay for the damages done to smokers over the years. Are the states using the money for smokers health and teen smoking prevention? Further tobacco litigation is covered by Smoking Cessation Guide Christine H. Rowley.

Philip Morrris: High cigarette prices stimulate quitting
One person calls news survey 672 times to skew the survey, says Tobacco Institute document. From smoking Cessation Guide Christine H. Rowley.

Clinton - Raise Cigarette Tax / Impose Fines
President Clinton proposes a 25-cents per pack increase in the federal cigarette tax and a plan to fine tobacco companies that fail to take steps to control smoking by under-age Americans. From your About Guide.

Supreme Court Rules FDA Cannot Regulate Tobacco
The court finds that Congress has precluded the FDA from having authority over tobacco and smokeless tobacco products. From your About Guide.

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