He said that in the week since they failed to override Bush's first veto, Democrats had systematically addressed earlier complaints that the bill failed to place a priority on low-income children, did not effectively bar illegal immigrants from qualifying for benefits and was overly generous to adults. Supporters said it would extend coverage to children of families making up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $62,000 for a family of four. Joe Barton, one of the more...

Supporters: Tobacco tax hike will pay for needed children s health program Opponents: Measure would hijack state s constitution Few ballot measures in Oregon history have generated as much sound and fury as Measure 50, the proposal to jack up the tobacco tax to finance a new children s medical insurance program. Supporters: Tobacco tax hike will pay for needed children s health program Opponents: Measure would hijack state s constitution Few ballot measures in Oregon history have generated...

The study presented at CHEST 2007, the 73rd annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), found that smokers over age 65 reported quitting smoking due to physician pressure and stress due to a major health problem, while smokers under age 65 reported cigarette cost and tobacco odor as reasons for quitting. The study presented at CHEST 2007, the 73rd annual international scientific assembly of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP),...

The dry spell follows a freeze in early April that inflicted at least $70 million in crop losses statewide, hitting winter wheat, peach and apple crops the hardest. A supplemental pump was activated three days ago and has helped the utilities company produce an extra 800,000 gallons of water each day, Althauser said. Residents were asked to conserve water in any way possible and flower, garden and grass watering were restricted to certain days only. Although the city s water use is not...

The report, for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, also warns that drugs workers may not be treating cannabis users' concerns about their behaviour seriously enough. He said: "It is clear that at a high level of consumption, cannabis can cause major problems and exacerbate problems that are already there, particularly in the transition to adulthood - doing well at school, getting into employment, forming relationships. He said: "It is clear that at a high level of consumption, cannabis can...

And while the Chinese may not drink much beer compared with their American or German counterparts, small percentage gains in the world's biggest consumer market equal big numbers. But then they hand off the product to wholesalers, who deliver it to gas stations, restaurants, liquor stores and the like. For thousands of years, people have found ways to turn their potatoes, grains or grapes into a tasty beverage with an intoxicating kick. Americans drank a little more than 21 gallons of beer...