By LAURIE KELLMAN
Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - A bill that would force the tobacco industry to pay $506 billion over 25 years, plus billions of dollars in fines if teen-age smoking rates do not decrease significantly was approved Wednesday by a Senate committee.
The bill won the endorsement from an overwhelming majority on the Senate Commerce Committee, clearing the first legislative hurdle on the road to what members of both parties and the White House are targeting as a new national policy on tobacco.
Only Sen. John Ashcroft, R-Mo., voted against it. Ashcroft said he objected to giving cigarette makers legal protections not accorded other companies. In return for curbing its own advertising, the tobacco industry would get protection from lawsuits in the form of a $6.5 billion annual limit on punitive damages.
Drafted primarily by the panel's chairman, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., the bill leaves the most contentious issues to be debated on the Senate floor or in negotiations with the White House.
Among them are how to spend the hundreds of billions of dollars to be paid by tobacco companies and details of payments to lawyers who negotiated last June's settlement between 40 states and cigarette makers. Nonetheless, McCain said, Senate leaders in both parties hope to hold a full Senate vote by June 1.
''There is no dbout that this is only the first round, and there are many roungs to fight,'' said McCain. ''We have to keep some perspective.''
Tobacco companies have threatened to walk away, taking with the the advertising curbs that constitutional experts say cannot be forced by Congress.
''Whether some up here like it or not, the tobacco companies are part of this process,'' said the committee's ranking Democrat, Sen Ernest Hollings of South Carolina, where 50,000 tobacco farmers and workers produce a $1 billion industry. ''Our goal should not be to lay waste to their balance sheets, for doing that would not allow us to move forward to improve the public health.''
One amendment accepted by the panel minutes before the vote would give financial aid to tobacco farmers and landowners injured if the legislation prompts a lower demand for the crop.
Many lawmakers, particularly Democrats, say Congress doesn't need the industry's consent to discourage teen-age smoking in other ways. Republican leaders also have balked this election year at granting legal protection to an industry they believe lied for years about encouraging teens to smoke.,
Separately, the Senate voted 54-46, mostly along party lines, to kill an effort by Democrats to amend a Republican-written federal budget for 1999 by requiring that any tobacco funds be used for health and anti-smoking efforts.
The budget, a nonbinding blueprint, would require that all money from tobacco legislation be used to buttress Medicare, the health insurance program for the elderly.
That is expected to change should legislation by McCain or other lawmakers ever near final passage. For now, Senate Republicans prefer language steering tobacco money to the popular Medicare program because it helps them fend off efforts to use the money for spending or tax cuts.
In the first hours of the drafting session, McCain's committee signaled a clearer picture of where money raised from tobacco companies should be spent. That debate, McCain said, likely will be fiercely fought later by the White House and congressional leaders.
The panel passed an amendment by Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, that provided guidelines. The nonbinding resolution endorses funding: to reimburse public health care programs and states for the costs of treating sick smokers, for anti-smoking advertising, tobacco-related health research and assistance for tobacco farmers.
Also approved was an amendment from Sen. Bill Frist, R-Tenn., designed to provide more incentive for companies to comply with targets for teen-age smoking reduction, called ''lookback provisions.'' It would put a small percentage of the money tobacco companies pay in penalties into a pool to be awarded to companies that have achieved 95 percent compliance with the targets for reducing teen-age smoking.
The panel rejected, by voice vote, an amendment by Sen. John Ashcroft, R-Mo., which would have applied the legal protections for the tobacco industry to other, more ''wholesome'' industries that ''are in the business of saving lives.''
By The Associated Press
Highlights of a tobacco bill approved Wednesday by the Senate Commerce Committee:
By LAURAN NEERGAARD
AP Medical Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. is pulling out of the proposed tobacco settlement that already has earned three states billions of dollars, dismayed by Congress' attempt to approve a much tougher version, a lawyer said today.
The practical effect of RJR's move, expected to be formally announced Friday in Washington, is that the company would fight in court any restrictions on their industry that Congress passes.
''They're doing it because this (legislation) as written kills them,'' said John Coale, a Washington-based anti-tobacco attorney who said tobacco industry officials had informed him of the pending move.
It also means no other states beyond Mississippi, Florida and Texas would be in line to settle pending lawsuits with RJR, Coale said.
RJR did not immediately return phone calls requesting comment.
Such a move by a tobacco company was long expected, and the leading congressional Republican on the issue dismissed RJR's threat today.
''I don't think that it matters,'' said Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee. ''They've been saying all along that they couldn't support this bill. I expected a negative reaction from the tobacco industry. So if one tobacco company can't go along, then I'm sorry.''
McCain's committee on Wednesday approved legislation that would force tobacco companies to pay $506 billion over 25 years and curb their marketing practices. It also calls for fining companies billions of dollars if teen smoking rates do not fall significantly.
Tobacco companies vehemently oppose the bill because it would give them less protection against lawsuits by sick smokers than they had won in an earlier deal they negotiated in the hope of settling 40 state lawsuits.
By LAURAN NEERGAARD
AP Medical Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - Forty-three percent of the nation's high school students either smoke cigarettes or cigars or chew tobacco, and the number of teen-age smokers is steadily rising, the government says in a report likely to boost efforts to reduce teen smoking.
Among the most disturbing findings is that smoking by black students - once hailed as a success story for their continually low cigarette use - has almost doub led.
''We're losing ground in the battle to protect our children,'' said Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala.
The 1997 figures come in a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vice President Al Gore, Shalala and other Cabinet members planned to announce the figures during anti-smoking rallies in eight states today, where they will call on Congress to quickly pass legislation to prevent tobacco marketing and use by minors.
Legislation that would force tobacco companies to pay $506 billion over 25 years and curb their marketing practices was approved Wednesday by the Senate Commerce Committee. The legislation also calls for fining companies billions of dollars if teen smoking rates do not fall significantly.
Tobacco companies vehemently oppose the bill because it fails to offer as much protection against lawsuits by sick smokers as an earlier deal they agreed to in the hope of settling 40 state lawsuits.
How many teens use tobacco is an important public health question because studies show more than 80 percent of smokers become addicted before they turn 18.
The last time the CDC counted teen-age smokers was in 1995, when 34.8 percent of the nation's high school students had smoked in the previous month. Last year, that number rose to 36.4 percent of students - and 16.7 percent were heavy smokers.
But the 1997 Youth Risk Behavior Survey for the first time counted both cigarette smokers and teens who use cigars or smokeless tobacco. The report found 48.2 percent of all teen-age boys and 36 percent of all girls use some form of tobacco. The most common users: white teen-age boys, at 51.5 percent.
The report's bigger finding is that black students' smoking rates are increasing faster than any other racial group.
Just 12.6 percent of black high school students smoked cigarettes in 1991. Last year, 22.7 percent did. Smoking doubled among black males, from 14 percent in 1991 to 28 percent last year. Smoking increased by 54 percent among black females, from 11.3 percent in 1991 to 17.4 percent last year.
Black teen smoking rates still are the nation's lowest - 34 percent of Hispanic students smoke and 40 percent of whites do. But the much more rapid increase among black teens explains growing concern in black communities.
Ministers last summer accused R.J. Reynolds of targeting black teens with the new Camel Menthols brand, saying a ''hip-hop'' Joe Camel was peddling the cigarette in magazines targeted to young black readers. And internal RJR documents released in February included marketing studies of black teens.
In contrast to the teen numbers, 25 percent of U.S. adults smoke, a proportion that has held steady in recent years after large drops since the 1970s.
The CDC is still investigating why more teens are picking up the habit. But an administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said early results suggest affordability - a key element of the pending congressional tobacco deal - is one reason. The industry cut the prices of premium brands, including teen-preferred Marlboros, by 20 percent in 1994, and price increases haven't kept up with inflation since, the official said.
Congress' leading anti-tobacco bill, by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., would raise cigarette prices by $1.10 a pack by 2003 in an effort to cut teen smoking.
Sen. John Chafee, R-R.I., author along with Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, of a competing tobacco bill, said McCain's bill needed to be toughened ''by increasing the cost of a pack of cigarettes much more - closer to $1.50 per pack over 24 months. ... We need to give teen smokers a jolt to get them to kick the habit - a significant price hike in a very short period of time.''
Among other findings of the CDC's survey of 16,000 students:
-15.8 percent of teen-age boys and just 1.5 percent of girls use smokeless tobacco.
-One in five students had smoked cigars in the past month.
-White teens had the highest total tobacco use, at 46.8 percent. Almost 37 percent of Hispanic teens use some form of tobacco, followed by 29.4 percent of black teens.
A station wagon was stolen Tuesday afternoon from the parking lot of the Halifax County Middle School, according to South Boston Police Chief Jim Hall.
The 1987 Oldsmobile is owned by Bill Moore of South Boston and was reported stolen at 4:19 p.m., Chief Hall said.
Moore is Director of Adult/Career Education and Vocational Education for the Halifax County Public Schools.
Moore noticed the vehicle missing earlier in the day but thought that co-workers may have taken it as a prank, according to the investigation.
A white male with a dark complexion and a beard was seen getting into the car at 11:30 a.m., Chief Hall pointed out.
The station wagon is blue in color and has license plates of BBG-952, he added.
Anyone with any information on the vehicle or who may have taken it is asked to call the South Boston Police Department or the Halifax County Crime Stoppers.
A large number of area residents will be walking for charity Sunday afternoon with two major benefit walks on tap.
The annual March of Dimes Walk America event in South Boston will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. with the walk beginning and ending at the Virginia National Guard Armory on Hamilton Boulevard.
Registration will begin at 1 p.m. and the walk will start at 2 p.m.
There will be food and entertainment at the armory at the conclusion of the walk.
Also slated Sunday is the MS Walkathon benefit fund raising walk to raise money for the area Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Participants in the MS Walkathon are asked to gather at 1 p.m. at the South Boston Fire Training Grounds located adjacent to the tennis courts at Halifax County Middle School.
Officials said that the participants in the MS Walkathon will start the walk at the fire training grounds at 2 p.m.
Organizers of that event said that as of late Thursday 289 walkers had signed up for that event.
This year's March of Dimes Walk America event will begin at the Virginia National Guard Armory on Hamilton Boulevard, turn left onto Wilborn Avenue, continue through downtown South Boston to Constitution Square, move onto North Main Street, and follow North Main Street until turning back onto Hamilton Boulevard once again where walkers will head back to the armory where the event will conclude.
Individuals, local businesses and industries, area churches, and civic groups and other organizations still have time to form teams for the annual event. Teams are made up of five or more walkers and individuals, companies, or groups may recruit employees, friends, neighbors, or relatives to walk on a particular team.
Sponsor forms and pledge forms may be obtained by calling local Walk America chairman V. Walter Brayboy at 575-5869.
Teams will be awarded plaques for their accomplishments and tee shirt contest winners will also be awarded a plaque.
The South Boston March of Dimes Walk America event has many prizes to offer this year. Individuals or organizations that raise $50 will receive a March of Dimes tee shirt bearing the March of Dimes 60th Anniversary logo. Persons or organizations who raise $100 will receive a tee shirt and sweatshirt. And, the walker that raises the most money (but must have $500 minimum) will receive the previously mentioned items plus a $100 Piedmont Mall (Danville, Va.) Gift Certificate.
The March of Dimes Walk America event is the largest and most successful walking event in the nation. Twenty seven years of success is attributed to companies, clubs, organizations, schools, and churches all joining together for healthy babies in America.
The mission of the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality.
The mission is carried out through the Campaign for Healthier Babies, which includes programs of research, community services education, and advocacy. Proceeds from the Walk America supports the mission of the March of Dimes.
The steps taken in Walk America will help fund breakthroughs for babies.
Persons desiring further information or sponsor forms should contact Brayboy at the previously mentioned telephone number or the Greater Danville Area Chapter of the March of Dimes office in Danville at 804-797-5977.
"South of 129 off 501," the voice advised.
The "voice" was pinpointing the location of a vehicle.
The contractor sitting at the wheel of his '98 Cadillac smiled. The Global Positioning System Antenna had done its job.
The car, pre-wired for the system, features a cell telephone - about $850 - which can activate a series of safety measures designed to protect life, limb and property. The Global Positioning System Antenna service cost the owner $22 a month to activate.
"What a way to travel. It's like having St. Peter on your shoulder," said the businessman.
If the car is in a wreck and air bags deploy, the system also calls police and the rescue squad if there is no response from the driver or passengers. The bonus, with GPS Antenna, the system can advise emergency responders of the vehicle's whereabouts if the injured cannot.
There also is an emergency button which can be activated to signal a call for help, a quick signal which could be a lifesaver in case of heart attack or serious sudden illness.
And if the car is stolen, the owner need only notify the global system and the vehicle's location can be pinpointed. Likewise, if the driver can't find his or her car in a parking lot, he can have the system flash the car's lights, beep the horn and ultimately unlock the door.
A more routine safety feature is the hands-off telephone communication system. The driver may program up to 20 numbers and simply tell the system to "Call Office" or "Home" as he drives down the highway, thus avoiding eyes off the road telephone dialing.
The only glitch to date: "There is no Virgilina on our map," the laughing contractor said his system advised as he headed south on 501. "I think it is on 96," he replied. "I have 96 coming up 5.4 miles on your left," replied the global system.
On a serious note, the businessman said the system is invaluable when he is looking for industrial sites in unfamiliar areas. The on-target system gets him on the right track as he enters sites in adjoining states.
The civilian use of the Global Positioning System is expanding.
On Monday, Vice President Al Gore said the government will expand to three the availability of signals for civilian use, Glen Johnson of The Associated Press reported. There is currently one signal for civilian use.
Some outdoorsmen are already using small units.
The Pentagon spent $10 billion to develop the Global Positioning System, according to the AP report, with 24 satellites providing information.
Lloyd Byrd Link of 129 Glendale Drive, South Boston died Tuesday, March 31, 1998 at Halifax Regional Hospital at the age of 70.
Mr. Link was born in Halifax County on October 11, 1927 the son of Henry Link and Lois Crawley Link and was married to Mamie Lee Link. He was a member of Mayo Grove Baptist Church and was an honorable discharged United States Army Veteran.
Surviving Mr. Link are his wife of the home; four daughters, Jessie Link, Jean Gomes, Doretha Kirby and Gladys Strange, all of South Boston; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; two sisters, Edna Bowman and Vanessa Murphy, both of Alton; one brother, Henry Link of Alton; two sons-in-law; one daughter-in-law, and other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow, April 4 at 1 p.m. at Mayo grove Baptist Church with Rev. A.E. Darrington officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the home of the deceased.
John Richard Doss Sr. of 1222 Noblin Avenue, South Boston died March 31, 1998. He was 45 years of age at the time of his death.
Mr. Doss was born in South Boston on November 23, 1952 the son of Herbert Thomas Doss and Virginia Rickman Doss and was married to Cynthia Meade Doss.
Funeral services will be held today, April 3 at 11 a.m. at Powell Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Horace Murray conducting the service. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Mr. Doss is survived by his wife of the home; two daughters, Michele Doss Barnett and Katrina Doss, both of Danville; one son, John Richard 'J.R.' Doss Jr. of South Boston; his mother of South Boston; two sisters, Grace D. Williamson of Wilmington, NC and Jeanette D. Shull of South Boston; two grandchildren, Ryan Kinder and Tyler Kinder, both of Danville.
Kathryn Dale Moorefield of 2701 Indale Road, Glen Allen died April 2, 1998 at The Medical College of Virginia at the age of 40.
Miss Moorefield was born in South Boston on January 26, 1958 the daughter of Watt J. Moorefield and June W. Moorefield. She was a member of First Baptist Church of South Boston, a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, and a graduate of Longwood College where she was a member of the Kapa Delta Sorority.
Miss Moorefield is survived by her mother and father of Scottsburg; one brother, Michael Moorefield of Winchester; and two nieces, Melissa and Miranda Moorefield of Winchester.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 4 at 2 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home chapel with Rev. Bob Fox conducting the service. Burial will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Powell Funeral Home tonight, April 3 from 7 until 8:30, and other times at the home of her parents, 6151 James D. Hagood Highway.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider the American Cancer Society.
Laline Bates Adkins of 1106 Hudson Drive, Alton died Thursday, April 2, 1998 at Halifax Regional Hospital. She was 62 years of age.
Mrs. Adkins was born April 29, 1935 in Halifax County the daughter of Frank Thornton Bates and Mary Jones Bates and was married to Carroll Lee Adkins. She was a member of Glenwood United Methodist Church.
Funeral services will be held at Glenwood United Methodist on Sunday, April 5 at 3 p.m. with Revs. Michael Teixeira and Kenneth Williams officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery.
Mrs. Adkins is survived by her husband; two sons, Randy Carroll Adkins of Mechanicsville and Douglas Thornton Adkins of Alton; two brothers, Addison Oliver Bates of South Boston and Kenneth Bates of Cumberland; two sisters, Diane B. Austin of Scottsburg and Brenda B. Powell of South Boston; and four grandchildren, Andrew, Eric, Aaron and Clara Adkins.
The family will receive friends at Brooks Funeral Home Saturday night from 7 until 9:00, and other times at the home.
Those wishing to give memorials are asked to consider Glenwood United Methodist Church.