Youth With Vision 2010 Legislative Priorities

Ban of Alcohol in the Capitol – and on Capitol grounds – (Sponsored last year by Rep. Trent Skaggs). It has been filed for the last 14 years.

• Other state buildings (employees) are not allowed alcohol – there are no other known states that allow alcohol in their capitol unless for “special occasions.”
• Elected officials should act as role models (and students visit the capitol daily)

Banning anyone under 21 from Bars and Nightclubs (Sponsored last year by Rep. Ryan Silvey).

• The Surgeon General has identified this issue as a primary contributor to underage drinking access.
• Once minors are allowed in these establishments it is relatively easy to gain access of alcohol (through those 21 and over).

Special Fund for Reduction of Alcohol-Related Problems and Underage Drinking – (Sponsored last year by Rep. Bill Deeken) This bill would create a special fund, to be used solely for alcohol-related prevention, enforcement, treatment and recovery services which are seriously under-funded in Missouri. Vision members are also working with Missouri’s Youth/Adult Alliance (MYAA) to look for a sponsor to increase the alcohol excise tax.

• The excise tax collections on beer, wine and spirits, currently collected from the manufacturer/solicitor bringing the alcohol into the state, would be earmarked for this new fund.
• This change would make available over $29.5 million much needed dollars each year, to be used for these services.

There is currently a movement in Missouri to increase the alcohol tax:

• Last time taxes on alcohol beverages were adjusted in MO was 1970.
• Missouri is 49th in our state for beer taxes (6 cents per gal. – national avg. is 26 cents).
• Binge drinking is significantly higher in states having lower than national median tax rates.
• Annual alcohol related health care costs in MO exceed $794,000,000.00 – annual alcohol taxes collect in MO are about $30,000,000.
• If MO were to adopt the proposed tax rate increase, a total of $128,850,000 would be generated.

Banning sales of alcohol energy drinks – New issue with national interest and an initiative to pass statewide (across our country) being developed through Marin Institute. Does not currently have a commitment from a legislator.

 

CLICK HERE FOR INFO ON ALCOHOLIC ENERGY DRINKS

 

Ban of Alcohol Without Liquid (AWOL) Devices

Alcohol vaporizers (AWOL – Alcohol With Out Liquid) are a unique delivery system which takes hard liquor and disperses it as a vapor in an oxygen mist.  Both have had positive hearings in committee.

• Intensive inhalation may be more likely to cause toxicity than binge drinking (when vaporized alcohol enters the bloodstream, directly from the lungs, it is not subject to the protective effects of the digestive system (such as the impulse to vomit).
• The rapid rush of alcohol to the brain would make inhalation more addictive than regular drinking.
• Through AWOL devices, alcohol enters the brain without being filtered by the liver – a potential for serious damage (could possibly be linked to brain damage).
• The devices appeal to minors and promote high risk drinking.

Articles related to Ban of AWOL

Machine Makes It Easy To Inhale Hard Liquor
Ban On Alcohol Without Liquid Devices
Sheriff's Want AWOL Machine Ban

Ban of Alcohol in the Missouri State Capital

• Other state buildings (employees) are not allowed alcohol – there are no other known states that allow alcohol in their capitol unless for “special occasions.”
• Elected officials should act as role models (and students visit the capitol daily)

Banning anyone under 21 from Bars and Nightclubs

• The Surgeon General has identified this issue as a primary contributor to underage drinking access.
• Once minors are allowed in these establishments it is relatively easy to gain access of alcohol (through those 21 and over).

Special Fund for Reduction of Alcohol-Related Problems and Underage Drinking.

This bill would create a special fund, to be used solely for alcohol-related prevention, enforcement, treatment and recovery services which are seriously under-funded in Missouri.

• The excise tax collections on beer, wine and spirits, currently collected from the manufacturer/solicitor bringing the alcohol into the state, would be earmarked for this new fund.
• This change would make available over $29.5 million much needed dollars each year, to be used for these services.

Smoke Free Ordinances

Youth With Vision supports smoke-free air ordinances, laws and policies in the metro area; as well as a comprehensive approach to reducing tobacco use and exposure to second hand smoke in our community

Website related to Smoke Free KC

http://www.cleanairkc.com/