Update: The House Rev & Tax Committee has voted 11-5 against introducing or allowing a full hearing on the bill to increase Idaho's cigarette tax.

Rep. Dick Harwood, R-St. Maries, said, “The smokers, I want to thank them for this building we're in,” noting that Idaho tapped cigarette tax proceeds to pay for the bonds to renovate the state Capitol. “It's kind of ironic that they can't smoke in it,” he said. “My mother smoked for 82 years,” and remained in good health, Harwood said. “Just because you smoke doesn't mean that you're gonna be ill.” Rep. Cliff Bayer, R-Boise, questioned whether the state would next move to taxing people who eat unhealthy food and risk heart disease/Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise. More here. And: How they voted here.

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• If you don't want folks to smoke, ban the product

Question: Do you ever wonder what minimal level of IQ is necessary to be an Idaho legislator?

He rode into office on a wave of anti-government, anti-spending sentiment in the county and it’s not hard to see that Bonner County Commissioner Mike Nielsen sees himself mounted on a white steed, the appointed “savior” of the people from a government that would hold them down. “Friendship stops where the county business starts,” he thunders as he wields his sword against Blue Cross of Idaho, smokers, the county fair, popular local insurance agent Dan Taylor, fat people, longtime county clerk Marie Scott, the 4-H program, printing costs,  the Bonner County Historical Society and Museum, and his fellow commissioner Lewis Rich. Reminiscent of the “band of brothers” ethos, however, this Alaskan retiree who spent almost three decades in law enforcement has stayed the sword from the sheriff’s department/Trish Gannon, River Journal. More here. (SXC photo: Michal Zacharzewski)

Question: Impression of Nielsen?

In the same way the smell of smoke from someone’s hair, clothes, house, or car upsets the senses, the brain is affected by this invisible residue, recently labeled third-hand smoke, as well.

Loads of heavy metal (and we’re not talkin’ music!), carcinogens, hazardous chemicals, and radioactive materials cling onto people and their possessions.  This invisible residue is a recipe for disaster because it can be easily ingested to cause damage. 

Children are especially at risk.  Parents might smoke while their children are away and out of the house, and they don’t witness any visible damage in doing so.  By playing in a space where someone has smoked, kids are exposed to third-hand smoke.

Be sure to visit the article, “A New Cigarette Hazard: ‘Third-Hand Smoke,’” from the New York Times.