John Robert Lewis

“ One of the greatest periods in America's cultural history was the
Harlem renaissance. Writers, artists, poets, and photographers like
Langston Hughes, James Van Der Zee, Countee Cullen, and Aaron Douglas
were all part of the renaissance.
More recently, the civil rights movement changed the face of this
country and inspired movements toward democracy and justice all over
the world.
There is much, much more--and it must be told to all Americans. Until
we understand the African American story in its fullness and
complexity, we cannot understand ourselves as a Nation. ”

“ While these laws can be effective when a sales clerk is
selling the tobacco, they do little to prevent minors from purchasing
tobacco from vending machines. My legislation recognizes the insidious
nature of tobacco vending machines by placing a $500 per year tax on
vending machines that sell tobacco products.
Hopefully, this tax will help discourage tobacco companies from
selling their goods through vending machines and discourage our
children from smoking; $500 is a small price to pay to protect our
children from emphysema, cancer, and the other ravages of tobacco. ”