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Blunt says he will not appeal judge's ruling on cigarette tax proposal

September 19, 2002
..Date: September 19, 2002
By: Elizabeth Gill

State Capital Bureau

Secretary of State Matt Blunt will not block the cigarette tax increase proposal. Elizabeth Gill has the story in Jefferson City.

Blunt has decided not to appeal a judge's ruling allowing a cigarette tax proposal on the November ballot. Blunt had rule earlier the ballot petition fell short on valid signatues. The judge disagreed. Blunt won't appeal because he doesn't expect the ruling to be overturned. He says it's time for the next step of the process to begin for it to happen efficiently by November.


Story:
RunTime: :13
OutCue: "low cost way"

Blunt did say however that he expects changes in the initiative petition process moving forward. From the State Capitol, I'm Elizabeth Gill.

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Secretary of State Matt Blunt says he expects stronger laws in the initiaitve petition process. Elizabeth Gill has the story in Jefferson City.

Blunt ruled the cigarette tax increase proposal was short valid signatures. A Cole County judge disagreed. The cigarette tax increase proposal will be on the November ballot. Blunt expects changes in the system:

Story:
RunTime: :08
OutCue: "Registered to vote."

Blunt says it's important that issues clearly qualify for the ballot because supporting or opposing an initiative is expensive. From the State Capitol, I'm Elizabeth Gill.