[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 39 (Monday, October 2, 2000)]
[Pages 2171-2172]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement on the President's Commission on Improving Economic 
Opportunity in Communities Dependent on Tobacco Production While 
Protecting Public Health

September 22, 2000

    Today I am pleased to sign an Executive order establishing a new 
Commission to improve opportunities for tobacco farmers and their 
communities while continuing to protect public health. This action 
builds on the longstanding commitment Vice President Gore and I share to 
protect our children from

[[Page 2172]]

the dangers of tobacco use and protect individual tobacco farmers. 
Tobacco growers, like many other farmers, have confronted difficult 
economic circumstances these last few years as tobacco companies 
increasingly turn to foreign tobacco. We have supported several efforts 
over the years to protect tobacco farmers and to develop new 
opportunities for these growers and their communities. The Commission, 
which will make recommendations on ways to continue this work while 
protecting public health, is an important next step.
    This new panel, the President's Commission on Improving Economic 
Opportunity in Communities Dependent on Tobacco Production While 
Protecting Public Health, will be cochaired by William Martin ``Rod'' 
Kuegel, Jr., the president of the Burley Tobacco Growers Cooperative 
Association, and Matthew Myers, the president of the Campaign for 
Tobacco-Free Kids. Both are leaders in their communities with proven 
records on bringing grower and health groups together on issues 
important to both. In 1998 they worked with a coalition of grower, 
public health, and religious groups to issue a statement of principles 
outlining their shared commitment to reducing disease caused by tobacco 
products and ensuring the future prosperity and stability of American 
tobacco farmers and farming communities. The work of this important new 
Commission will serve to further demonstrate that the goals of reducing 
youth smoking and protecting American farmers can be pursued together.

Note: This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.