Thank you for your strong editorial support of LD 1612, a bill that would ask the voters to protect the Fund for a Healthy Maine from continuing to be used as another rainy day fund to fill budget holes.

Unfortunately this bill needs a two-thirds vote by legislators before the people even get a chance to decide. During an election year, partisan politics can reach fever pitch. We need our elected officials to set aside their differences and give Maine people the chance to speak on this critical health policy issue. We need to assure that the tobacco settlement funds continue to be used to improve the health of Maine people.

The legislators should give the voters the opportunity to decide what should be done with the money Maine people receive each year from the lawsuit settlement.

Edward F. Miller,

chief executive officer,

American Lung Association

of Maine, August