Election reform package and the 2019 State of Tobacco Control report

What to look for on Smart Talk Monday, February 4, 2019:

States are granted the legal authority to hold elections by the U.S. Constitution. So, each state’s laws and regulations for conducting elections are as diverse as the state.

According to some members of the Pennsylvania legislature, the state election code needs modernized. A few changes that have been proposed would require a constitutional amendment to attain election reform.

The Senate’ State Government Committee assessed the Pennsylvania election code last session and, as a result, a group of Senators issued a memorandum outlining co-sponsorship election reforms.

Joining us on Monday’s Smart Talk to discuss the bipartisan initiative are two co-sponsors, Republican State Senator Mike Folmer representing parts of Lebanon, Dauphin, and York Counties and Democratic State Senator Judy Schwank representing Berks County.

Also, the American Lung Association put the state of Pennsylvania on notice that tobacco, as the leading cause of preventable death and disease, must become a priority for state elected officials.

The ALA identified three action areas for the state:  

1. Raise the age of sale to 21 for all products, from the current age of 18.
2. Fund prevention and cessation programs, then don’t redirect the money.
3. Close loopholes in Pennsylvania’s Clean Indoor Air Act.

Appearing on Smart Talk to discuss the State of Tobacco Control report and E-cigarette use among teens are Sarah Lawver, advocacy director, American Lung Association in Pennsylvania and Jennifer Hobbs Folkenroth, National Senior Director, Tobacco Health Education, American Lung Association.