Proposed Linn tobacco regulations bad policy

The Linn County Board of Supervisors wants to use millions in taxpayer dollars to enact regulations that will cost jobs and possibly embroil the county in a costly lawsuit.

Armed with a $2 million federal stimulus grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, the board is taking aim at smokeless tobacco products. Three proposed ordinances would ban the sale of dissolvable products, buy-one-get-one-free promotions and temporary tents where adults might receive free product samples. The proposed ordinances are a raw deal for residents.

First, taxpayer dollars awarded through stimulus programs, such as Communities Putting Prevention to Work, line the pockets of lobbyists, raises taxes and reduces retail jobs. The aforementioned took place in New York City when the American Lung Association received a $15.5 million grant through CPPW for the purpose of “reducing the number of tobacco retailers and increasing the price of tobacco products.”

Secondly, remember the “stimulus” bill? The $2 million grant comes out of that pot, which was created to promote economic growth and “create” jobs. Raising taxes and reducing retail jobs does neither.

Finally, the proposed ordinances may violate Iowa law and costly litigation could ensue. State law pre-empts the adoption of more restrictive ordinances by localities without an act of the legislature.

County Supervisor Brent Oleson noted in The Gazette: “It is becoming quite clear that Iowa law does in fact pre-empt what these laws are trying to do. We need to take a step back ...”

Exactly, step back and realize this is egregious regulatory overreach and a bad economic policy.

William J. Upton

State Affairs Manager

Americans for Tax Reform

Washington, D.C.