President Bush Chooses Cigarettes Over Children

Marian Wright Edelman discusses this incredible story with Amy Goodman on DemocracyNow. The Facts: President Bush has threatened to veto legislation that would provide health insurance for 9 million uninsured children. This despite 91% of the country, both Republicans and Democrats in both Houses of Congress, and even many pharma and insurance groups, being in favor of the legislation.

The problem with the law in Bush's mind is undoubetdly that the $35 billion program is financed through a $0.61 tax in cigarettes. This, by itself, is a societal benefit as it would lead to less smokers, lower health costs and ultimately lower taxes.

But, Bush, whose Justice Department saw fit to unilaterally cut a legal settlement with Big Tobacco by $120 billion two years ago, is once again choosing cigarette profits over the nation's children, the country's health and, ultimately, all of our tax liability.

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Rep. Gelser: Second hand smoke and kids health

House Bill 2201 (the Healthy Kids Plan) would provide health insurance for 117,000 currently uninsured children. Rep. Gelser makes the case for the connection between a tobacco tax and kids health during the April 26 floor debate.

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