Minutes - 20030305 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

WHEREAS, despite these contributions, the role of American women in history has been consistently overlooked and undervalued, in the literature, teaching and study of American history; and WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners on March 25, 1976, established the Orange County Commission far Women to promote the growth and development of all Orange County women and the Commission has been doing that for more than 25 years; NOW THEREFORE, do we, the Board of Commissioners of Orange County, North Carolina hereby proclaim March 2003 as "Women's History Month" and commend this observance to Orange County citizens. THIS THE 5t" DAY OF MARCH, 2003. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Gordan said that it is appropriate for this to happen when the League of Women Voters was in attendance. She said that being a member of the League of Women Voters helped her when she decided to run for commissioner. c. Resolution in Support of an Increase in North Carolina's Tax on Cigarettes The Board considered adapting a resolution to be forwarded to the Orange County legislative delegation supporting an increase in North Carolina's cigarette taxes. Board of Health member Jonathan Klein read the resolution. He said that the primary goal is to help decrease youth tobacco use in the State. A secondary goal, but lower priority, is to generate revenues far the State. The Board of Health feels strongly that there should be any warding that it takes to help this pass in the legislature. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution with some changes. He said that the Board adopted a goal last year and it could be incorporated with this goal sa that they are consistent. He read the wording of the last paragraph as follows: Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved that the Orange County Board of Commissioners supports an increase in the cigarette tax in North Carolina to be used primarily for health programs and for reducing and preventing tobacco use. He would like to leave off the .75 cents and the "whereas" about how much it will generate until we decide on asking far a specific increase or just an increase. This was seconded by Commissioner Carey. Commissioner Carey asked about the numbers that would be prevented from starting to smoke as a result of the increase. He asked about the money generated and if it was from the .75 cents. Jonathan Klein said that this is where the estimates come from. He made reference to the additional information in the agenda packet. Commissioner Carey wants more detail available for the legislative subcommittee. Commissioner Jacobs said that it would be useful to have a list of the 50 states and the tax rate on cigarettes. Commissioner Gordon said that the benefits of the tax increase as stated in the resolution depends on the .75 per pack. She would like to approve the resolution as written. Commissioner Jacobs said that only one of the "whereas" statements, other than the one he mentioned, relates specifically to the .75. Commissioner Gordon asked Jonathan Klein about deleting the .75 per pack portion of this resolution. Jonathan Klein said he thought the .75 per pack should stay in the resolution. They added this in for the money to be used for health programs and reducing/preventing tobacco use at the request of the County Commissioners. They would feel more comfortable if this portion were left out so that it would be more palatable for the legislature. This is the recommendation of the Board of Health.