HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 2279A Resolution as 7~
PETITIONING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO END THE PRACTICE OF
TOBACCO SUBSIDIES WHICH AS A POLICY IS IN CONFLICT WITH EXISTING STATE
AND NATIONAL EFFORTS TO LIMIT THE USE OF TOBACCO
WHEREAS, the United States Congress on a yearly basis appropriates tax dollars for agricultural
subsidies of tobacco and
WHEREAS, tobacco has been shown to have detrimental physical effects on users of tobacco and the
treatment of diseases related to tobacco use are extremely costly both in dollars and lives and
WHEREAS, two of the nation s largest companies are acknowledging that they are negotiating the
settlement of lawsuits related to the treatment costs borne by taxpayers in six states that could cost as
much as $300 billion, and
WHEREAS, restricting the use of tobacco to minors is a subject of much debate at the state level and
at the local level with the state of Texas currently considering legislation that could create the toughest
restrictions dealing with minors and tobacco and
WHEREAS, the cities including the City of Fort Worth are working with industry representatives to
develop smoke-free environments in community facilities to limit the exposure and health risks associated
with tobacco use and
WHEREAS, by subsidizing tobacco Congress through this budget policy is working against the current
trend to limit the use of tobacco and therefore is wasting precious taxpayer dollars that could be used for
more constructive purposes
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT WORTH.
1 That the City of Fort Worth petitions Congress to consider ending the policy of
appropriating agricultural subsidies for tobacco and
2 That the City of Fort Worth City Council urges the members of the Texas Delegation of
the United States Congress to vote against continued agricultural subsidies for tobacco and
directs the City Staff to distribute copies of this resolution to members of the Texas
Congressional Delegation and to members of the appropriate committees in Congress as
necessary
Adopted this ~ day of April, 1997
CO
+~PR $8
t.l.,u..Q.~~ . ~ ~
for Kenneth Barr
~~ CITY OF FORT WORTH
City of F~t~Pq~,