Clinton Herald-Leader Staff Report Gov. Paul Patton reiterated to President Clinton yesterday that any tobacco settlement in Congress must take into account economic disruption to Kentucky tobacco farmers and communities. In a release from his Frankfort office, Patton said he told Clinton during a meeting of the nation's governors that he backs a proposal by U.S. Sen. Wendell Ford of Kentucky that would address various economic interests in any settlement. Patton, in Washington to attend the winter meeting of the National Governors' Association, said it's unclear whether Congress will approve any settlement this year. Patton said governors are dissatisfied about the eagerness of the Clinton administration and many members of Congress to take part of the settlement pie that they contend should go to the states. Patton said he supported continuing the program, noting that money for the price supports comes from fees on growers and tobacco companies.
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Copyright 1998 Lexington Herald-Leader.