Task Force Attendees: Jeannette DeJesus, Co-chair; Andrew Salner, Co-chair; David Gregorio; Barbara Koren
Stakeholders: Pat Checko; Robin Cox; Carol Meredith
Office of the Healthcare Advocate: Africka S. Hinds-Ayala
SustiNet Consultant: Linda Green
Absent: Frank Scifo; David Scribner
Andy Salner opened the meeting by welcoming all participants. Minutes from the June 23, 2010 meeting were approved with no changes.
Andy expressed gratitude to the workgroups for all their efforts in perusing such a large volume of information and turning it into comprehensive recommendations. He also thanked Linda Green for her assistance in completing the report. This meeting will provide a final opportunity for Task Force members to make comments and approve the report.
Linda thanked Task Force members their hard work. She pointed out some concerns that she had about the report, beginning with the loss of retail revenue that would go along with reducing the number of tobacco merchant licenses over time. Tobacco sales account for a large proportion of small businesses’ revenue. She particularly noted that this Task Force recommended broader alcohol sales as a remedy for this loss of revenue. She suggested that this be toned down, perhaps as something to be considered rather than recommended. After some discussion it was agreed that the reference to alcohol sales would be replaced with “other viable product lines.”
There was discussion about eliminating the section of the report that provides background on the Tobacco and Health Trust Fund. It was agreed that it was valuable to retain this section which points out that these funds, spent wisely, could save money and lives, thus strengthening the recommendations made.
Collectively the Task Force went through the report, scrutinizing and fine-tuning as needed. The final report was approved by all and will be sent to the Board of Directors and the Legislature. Andy said that the Task Force will continue to be available for any questions that arise regarding the report, but will not hold formal meetings.
Andy thanked the entire Task Force and Jeannette expressed gratitude to Andy. Meeting was adjourned.
