They say workers are also becoming harder to find because of an increase in enforcement raids that have made it more costly for laborers to sneak into the U. Some fear North Carolina will suffer like California did last year, when a shortage of workers there resulted in rotting crops because there wasn't anyone to harvest them. A comprehensive immigration reform plan supported by President Bush and a group of bipartisan senators fell 15 votes short of the 60 needed on Thursday. Without...

The Department of Revenue will hire five new tobacco compliance agents plus start using a Denver-based program to do 5,000 random checks of convenience stores. In 2004, the state was out of compliance with a federal requirement that in random checks of stores, at least 80% refuse to sell tobacco to minors. Worried about losing funds, agencies launch anti-tobacco initiative. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The first time, the state had to dedicate...

Take A Stand Against Physically-Harmful Tobacco - And Reply posted May 26, 2007 In several states, politicians, the concerned media, health-related agencies, and citizen/voters are stepping up and taking a stand against the physically harmful use of tobacco. Somehow this type of action needs to be exercised throughout Southeast Tennessee. Take A Stand Against Physically-Harmful Tobacco - And Reply posted May 26, 2007 In several states, politicians, the concerned media, health-related...

Smokers can get their fix by rubbing a portion of the gel, which contains one tenth of the tobacco in a cigarette, into their palms. The gel is produced by American-based Advanced Formulations, which boasts that it is highly addictive and, unlike nicotine patches or gum, will not help smokers kick the habit. The new law prohibits lighting up in all enclosed public spaces and workplaces, including pubs, restaurants, offices and even bus shelters, taxis, company cars and delivery vehicles....

If Republicans budge on raising the cigarette tax or the new tax on big oil companies, Democrats may have to give up on its hospital tax and universal health care. This is not a budget for the big oil companies or the big tobacco companies, Doyle said in a statement after the budget passed, praising the committee s work. Republicans who for months have said they will pass a balanced budget without any tax increases will soon get their chance to show their hand. But its plan could mean...