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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

American Lung Association "Flunks" Oregon for Fifth Straight Year

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Wednesday, January 10, 2007   


For the fifth straight year, Oregon is "failing" to help reduce tobacco-related disease, according to the American Lung Association's annual report card, released yesterday. The chief criticism concerns funding for prevention - the state is on track to spend under one-fifth the money recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. Dana Kaye with the American Lung Association of Oregon says there is hope to change that.

"The Governor has proposed a solution: During this legislative session he intends to raise the tax on tobacco and dedicate the revenue to tobacco prevention and education."

The Governor's proposal would increase the cigarette tax by 85 cents a pack and bring Oregon in line with Washington's cigarette tax. Many smokers oppose the tax, saying they're being picked on.

Kaye adds another major problem is the lack of indoor air protection.

"We still have between 35,000 and 45,000 people that are exposed to second-hand smoke every day in the workplace."

Kaye says they're hoping the legislature will expand the smoke-free workplace law to all public establishments and close the loopholes that allow certain businesses to allow smoking. Opponents say limiting smoking in bars and other areas is bad for business.

Compared to other states, Oregon gets a "C" in smoke-free air and a "D" in reducing youth access to tobacco products. The report card is available online at www.lungoregon.org.


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