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Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

A New Plan For Kids' Health

More than 10 million children in the U.S. do not have health insurance. When one of them breaks an arm or gets really sick, the family often cannot afford to pay a doctor. Who should help cover the costs?

Smokers should cough up the money, say Senators Orrin Hatch and Edward Kennedy. Though the Republican and Democrat rarely agree, they have joined forces on a plan to raise the tax on cigarettes 43¢ a pack. The government could use the money to help pay for insurance for needy kids.

Why should smokers bear this burden? It's a way for them to give back some of the $50 billion a year the government pays to provide medical care for smoking-related illnesses. The proposed cigarette tax would also discourage smoking.

The proposal still faces a battle in Congress. It is opposed by representatives of tobacco states and those who are against all tax hikes.

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