For immediate release Tuesday, March 03, 1998
Contact: Melissa Forsythe
(502) 564-2611

Nation’s Governors Back Patton’s Tobacco Resolution

Governor Paul Patton has made national headway in his effort to preserve Kentucky’s tobacco farms and protect the communities that depend on tobacco for their economy.

All of the nation’s governors are supporting a resolution offered by Governor Patton and the governors of North Carolina and South Caroline at the recent National Governors’ Association winter conference in Washington, D.C.

The national tobacco policy adopted by the NGA says, "Proposed national legislation on the regulation of tobacco products will have a significant impact on tobacco growers and quota holders, their communities, and states whose economies are closely linked to agriculture. Accordingly, the governors urge Congress and the (Clinton) Administration to address the needs of these communities and the need for a strong, fair, grower-owned tobacco program."

Governor Patton said, "This national tobacco policy adopted by the governors is an important step in the continuing battle to make sure that Kentucky farm families and farm communities are not left out of a multi billion dollar settlement with tobacco companies and preserve the tobacco price support program. " Governor Patton also addressed this critical issue with President Clinton at a White House meeting on February 23^rd, and received assurances the administration will support this effort.

The adoption of the policy places it on the NGA’s priority list for lobbying Congress. The NGA is recognized as one of the most powerful lobbying forces in the U.S.

Governor Patton said he’ll keep working with Kentucky Senator Wendell Ford to help preserve the quality of rural farm life in Kentucky through maintenance of the tobacco program.

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