For Immediate Release:
January 9, 2004
Senate
President Pro Tempore
Cal Hobson
Senator
Hobson Comments on EDGE Report
“We’ve
just received the report and haven’t yet had a chance
to digest it in its entirety. I am encouraged by the emphasis
the EDGE report places on improving the health of Oklahomans
and its support of an increase in the tax on tobacco products.
“Healthcare is one of the most crucial issues facing
our state and increasing the tax on cigarettes will serve
multiple purposes – creating a disincentive to smoke,
especially for our young people, and providing new resources
with which we can develop a world-class cancer center and
make healthcare services available to more Oklahomans.
“I commend Governor
Henry for tackling this enormous task and for the bipartisan
process that resulted in this report. I look forward to
dissecting the details and working with the governor to
– as he said – identify the issues on which
we can build a consensus.”
For more information, contact:
Senate
Communications Division
- (405) 521-5605
