America’s space agency, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), is entering a new administration better funded than it has been in nearly 30 years. In fact, NASA pocketed more than $23 billion from the recently signed omnibus bill, or nearly $200 for each household across America.
In 2017, 5.6 percent of adults used e-cigarettes at least once a month, or about 3 million users. The UK has the highest use of e-cigarettes in the European Union. In 2020, it was estimated that 3.5 million people are using e-cigarettes in the UK. In 2017, between 18 and 20 percent of current smokers in the UK also used e-cigarettes Among adult e-cigarette users, in 2017, 42 percent reported using e-cigarettes to help stop smoking
According to the 2019 New Hampshire YRBS, 49.8 percent of high school students reported ever-using an electronic vapor product. When inquired about past 30-day use, 66.2 percent of New Hampshire high school students reported using an electronic cigarette 0 days in the 30 days prior to the survey. Further, 13 percent reported using an e-cigarette between one to five days and only 9.5 percent of high school students reported using vapor products on all 30 days, which was overwhelmingly attributed to 11th and 12th grade students.
As state revenues decline, many lawmakers have looked to make up for that shortfall by increasing existing excise taxes on tobacco and vapor products. Excise taxes on tobacco products are fundamentally flawed as revenue-generating policies because they are unreliable and highly regressive. Further, lawmakers should refrain from imposing taxes on tobacco harm reduction products such as vapor products, as these products are significantly less harmful than combustible cigarettes and are effective at helping smokers quit.
As lawmakers attempt to address the critical issue of youth use of age- restricted products, including electronic cigarettes and vapor products, some policymakers are seeking to ban sales of flavored tobacco and vapor products. Although addressing youth use is laudable, policymakers should refrain from policies that would restrict adult access to tobacco harm reduction products, as well as implementing policies that further subvert adult choices, such as is the case with the proposal to ban flavors in tobacco and vapor products. Also, during a pandemic when politicians are urging the public to use science as a guiding concept, it is important to look at the science behind tobacco harm reduction.
Over the past few months, the United States Postal Service (USPS) has seen more than its fair share of turmoil. Thousands of workers are quarantined, net losses remain stubbornly high ($9.2 billion last year), and Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s long-overdue operational changes have been met with scorn and conspiracizing.
Over the course of the past year, we’ve documented plenty of Profiles in Courage who have bettered countless lives. These exemplary men and women have found cures to deadly diseases, helped Americans stay connected to internet services during a pandemic, and given back to the most vulnerable members of society. Yet this month’s Profile in Courage – Capitol Police officer Eugene Goodman – may be the most courageous of all. On the fateful day of January 6, 2021, Officer Goodman diverted an angry mob of insurrectionists away from lawmakers, buying members of Congress precious time to escape to designated hiding locations. And, for protecting hundreds from an angry mob of lawbreakers, Goodman is truly a Profile in Courage.
As lawmakers attempt to address youth use of age- restricted products, including electronic cigarettes and vapor products, some policymakers are seeking to ban sales of flavored tobacco and vapor products. Although addressing youth use is laudable, policymakers should refrain from policies that would restrict adult access to tobacco harm reduction products, as well as implementing policies that further subvert adult choices, such as is the case with the proposal to ban flavors in tobacco and vapor products.
After an unusual year for state legislatures, lawmakers are returning to their respective state capitals for 2021 sessions. Undoubtedly, the single biggest issues facing each state – as well as the federal government – will be the economic damage wrought by the coronavirus pandemic.
As an organization dedicated to government accountability, TPA is naturally very wary of the volume and taxpayer expense of executive orders that has come from the new administration. This latest batch is no different. If recent history has demonstrated anything it is that the market is more efficient and creative at tackling emissions than mandates forced by the federal government. These latest executive orders rely on the failed fiat model, rather than creating market incentives.
