The Bootleggers Full Employment Act of 1997 was unveiled in Washington last week.
Of course, it wasn’t called that.
Rather, President Clinton disclosed his position on the $368.5 billion settlement between tobacco companies and state attorneys general. The deal, reached in June, needs the approval of Congress.
The president wants changes in the agreement: strengthening curbs on youth smoking, permitting unhampered federal regulation of tobacco products, and requiring disclosure of industry documents about tobacco and health.
He also wants payments and penalties of up to $1.50 a pack–as needed–to reduce teenage smoking over the next 10 years.
Given the mix of teenage mindset and high prices, the spiritual descendants of Alphonse Capone smell opportunity.
