I’ve been getting these so thought I’d share in case it could help you…
FROM THE TRENCHES: VTA WEEKLY UPDATE
This week has been another exciting week for VTA. VTA’s ranks continue to grow as an additional association has joined our membership! In addition, we are asking all state associations to be vigilant as budget bills are being filed, and several include burdensome taxes on vapor products.
THE FEDERAL FRONT
VTA NEEDS YOU TO ACT NOW!
As you may know, President Trump’s Administration has made rolling back burdensome federal regulations a cornerstone of its agenda. Limiting the small-business killing impact of the Deeming Regulation must be addressed now.
Please take a moment today and lend your business’ name to a letter urging HHS Secretary Price to delay full implementation of the FDA deeming regulation, which is the first necessary step in the larger effort to reform the way the FDA regulates the vapor industry.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN YOUR NAME TO THE LETTER!
Vapor Industry Leaders To Congressional Leadership: Support Cole-Bishop and SAVE VAPOR!
VTA joined with Smoke Free Alternatives Trade Association, Consumer Advocates for Smoke-Free Alternatives Association and the American Vaping Association to send a letter to leaders of both parties in Congress urging them to support the “FDA Deeming Authority Clarification Act of 2017” (H.R. 1136), legislation that would keep vapor products on the shelves and protect small vapor businesses across the country from being overrun by overly burdensome federal regulations.Read VTA’s press release HERE, and the full text of the letter HERE.
This week, VTA’s Washington, DC lobbyist joined Smoke Free Radio to discuss Cole-Bishop and efforts to delay implementation of the FDA’s industry-killing deeming regulation. Check out the interview HERE.
Three issues are dominating Congress this week: (1) House consideration of the American Health Care Act (aka the reconciliation package repealing portions of the ACA); (2) Senate Judiciary Committee hearings on the nomination of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court; (3) the FBI Director’s testimony on Russia.Health Care
- The original plan was to take up consideration of the American Health Care Act in the House of Representatives today. However, there are a lot of moving parts, and with members of the Freedom Caucus and the Tuesday Group ongoing, Speaker Ryan has yet to call for a vote.
- Once the House passes the bill, the Senate will take it up next week – the week of March 27th.
- Note: changes are expected to the bill in the Senate, thus the bill will have to go back to the House for consideration or to a conference committee between both houses to work out the differences.
Supreme Court Hearings for Judge Neil Gorsuch in Senate Judiciary
- Monday – opening statements from all committee members and Judge Gorsuch
- Tuesday and Wednesday – questions from committee members to Judge Gorsuch
- Thursday (and possibly Friday) – testimony from third-party witnesses for and against Judge Gorsuch
Congress: A Look Ahead
- Week of April 3rd: Debate and confirmation of Judge Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court
- REMINDER: Government funding expires on Friday, April 28th, which is the end of the first week back after the spring recess. This is going to be a big debate post health care/Gorsuch.
On April 6, 2017, FDA will present information to the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee(TPSAC) on the processes used in review of tobacco product applications, including premarket tobacco, substantial equivalence, and modified risk tobacco product applications. Topics will include the statutory standards applicable to the different types of applications, the scientific basis for review decisions, with a focus on PMTA and MRTPA, and the role of the Committee in the review process. Click here for more information.Seating for this meeting may be limited, so the public is encouraged to watch the free webcast instead of traveling to the meeting. The link for the webcast will be available approximately 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the meeting each day. Click here to access the webcast.
THE STATE OF THE STATES
There has been significant bill movement in several states that would affect vapor products over the last week. Two states have introduced additional vapor tax proposals in the last two weeks. Nevada has introduced a tax on vapor products of 5 cents per milliliter (A 269) and West Virginia introduced a tax of 10.5 cents per milliliter of consumable product (SB 677 and SB678). In addition, there are several additional pieces of legislation moving in various states related to Tobacco 21 laws, Clean-Indoor Air Bans, and coupon and sales restrictions. If you have concerns about specific bills in your states, or their potential impact on your business, please contact us. We are active with 20 state vapor groups and are ready to help you!
The Indiana House this week held its first subject matter hearing on Senate Bill 1 – the bill which will re-open the Indiana market to vapor companies. We ask that all Indiana businesses remain plugged in to this debate and that you support financially the efforts of the Indiana Smoke Free Alliance which has been leading the charge. There is no better investment of your funds if you are interested in re-opening the state of Indiana to vapor business. We will continue to update you when calls to action are needed.Maryland Licensure Bill Harms Vapor Industry
The Maryland Vapor Alliance is working on addressing concerns with HB 523 which passed the Senate last week. House Bill 523 would create a separate licensure requirement for manufacturers, wholesalers, storage facilities, and retailers. The bill also places limitations on the transportation of vapor products, and affects where retailers and consumers may attain their vapor products. Look for a Call to Action shortly from the VTA and the Maryland Vapor Alliance.
The Pennsylvania Vaping Association has hit the ground running. PVA introduced Senate Bill 508 which would repeal the 40% wholesale tax and replace the current tax with a 5-cents per milliliter tax. PVA representatives are aggressively engaged, meeting with all the key decision makers and elected officials to craft a new path forward for vapor businesses in the Keystone State. Thank you to the Pennsylvania Vaping Association for all your hard work!Montana In Bill Killing Mode
Freedom Vapes has been leading the charge in Helena to kill the Clean Indoor bill (done) and is taking on the absurd industry killing 74% wholesale tax being proposed. Together with Freedom Vapes we have generated over 3,000 anti-tax messages to the committee. Ron and Deanna Marshall are in the Capitol working hard to defend Montana. Give them your support as they build a solid grass roots constituency!Webinar Series: Start and Grow Your State Association
VTA continued its webinar series this week with organizing calls in New Mexico and New York. If you would like to get involved in starting and growing state associations in either state, please contact us.Further, if you would like assistance in getting your state organized, please contact us. We would be happy to assist you in forming a state association to fight back against anti-vapor legislation.
GET SOCIAL / STAY CONNECTED
We are on the right path, but in order to be successful, we present a unified front. This is why VTA wants YOU to get involved. Call your state legislator. Write your congressman. Because if we do not make our voices heard, the powerful interests that are working to defeat us will prevail.To learn more about how to get involved in the fight to save vapor, visit www.vaportechnology.org and www.SaveVapor.org.
Please take a moment and forward this email to anyone you know will be interested in what’s going on and encourage them to sign up for our mailing list at www.vaportechnology.org or www.SaveVapor.org.
And, don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Thank you for all you do to defend our industry!
Executive Director
Vapor Technology Association
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