We should consider creating regional school districts encompassing several counties, thereby freeing up additional monies that could be used to maintain local neighborhood elementary schools. For example, elementary students living just across the Lincoln County line near Alum Creek shouldn t have to be bused across the county. The Legislature has so far not passed a tax on smokeless tobacco. We cannot justify treating smokeless tobacco differently. I voted for this tax last session.
Studies show that youth are very cost-sensitive consumers.
By taxing smokeless tobacco equally, we can help to dissuade young people from using this product. Unlike my opponent, I do not accept campaign contributions from tobacco. I would prefer to ban gray machines. However, if that goal cannot be achieved, at the very least, we should regulate and tax them. I would like to ban video poker machines.