Bills envision safer cigarettes

By JOHN REID BLACKWELL
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER

Cigarettes made or sold in Virginia would have to meet certain fire-safety standards by 2010, under legislation proposed by several state lawmakers.
Even cigarette maker Philip Morris USA is getting behind the legislation, which if passed would make Virginia the 23rd state to adopt such requirements.
"What we are seeing across the country is tremendous support for this type of legislation," said Lorraine Carli, spokeswoman for the National Fire Protection Association.
The organization is leading a coalition of fire-prevention and consumer-safety groups pushing for laws in every state. Fires caused by cigarettes or other smoking materials result in 700 to 900 fatalities a year in the United States, she said.

For the full story - http://www.inrich.com/cva/ric/news/business.apx.-content-articles-RTD-2008-01-15-0026.html

Second Quarter Reports Due and CDC calendar

VTSF Central region grantees,

This is a reminder that your second quarter reports are due on Jan. 15. Please contact me if you need any assistance with this report. Remeber to give as much information as possible, and don't forget to complete the upcoming events section

Also, the CDC has created a nice calendar related to tobacco control, and it can be found by following this link: http://cdc.gov/tobacco/media_communications/calendar/index.htm.
It looks like it could really be a valuable tool for anyone in the tobacco prevention/cessation field.

Governor Kaine Announces Restaurant Smoking Ban Legislation

January 7 — Standing with members of the Hampton Roads Mayors and Chairs Caucus, the Virginia Beach Restaurant Association, General Assembly members, and medical and public health officials at Hot Tuna Bar & Grill in Virginia Beach, the Governor proposed legislation for a statewide ban on smoking in restaurants.
“The scientific evidence on the health risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke is clear and convincing,” said Governor Kaine. “Recognizing the negative health effects and high public costs of secondhand smoke, Virginia must act to protect the workers and consumers in its restaurants.”
More information on the Governor's proposed legislation

Smoking bans and new taxes around the country

It's a New Year and smoking bans and cigarette tax increases are going into effect all over the country!

Illinois: Statewide ban goes into effect Jan. 1.

Colorado: Statewide ban extends to casinos Jan. 1.

Kansas: Kansas City suburbs' smoking bans go into effect Jan. 1 & 2, pressuring Kansas City itself.

Maryland: Baltimore smoking ban goes into effect. Jan. 1.

Texas: McKinney, Sugar Land and Fort Worth restaurant smoking bans go into effect Jan. 1.

California: Smoking ban in cars with kids goes into effect Jan. 1.

Wisconsin: $1/pack cigarette tax hike goes into effect. Jan. 1, raising tax to $1.77.

Maryland: $1/pack cigarette tax hike goes into effect. Jan. 1, raising tax to $2.

From Tobacco.org Updates, 1/2/2008