The Douglas County Board agreed Tuesday to contribute $5 million worth of inheritance tax revenue to help fund a $323 million cancer center for the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
The City of Omaha could also chip in a $35 million contribution to the UNMC project — but the money would come from a proposed new tax on cigarettes.
City Councilman Chris Jerram, a sponsor of the cigarette tax proposal, said the idea emphasizes public health and job creation.
“It’s taxing tobacco to care for those who would develop cancer from it and provide the best research possible, while at the same time having a huge economic impact,” Jerram said. Not everyone is on board with the idea, however.
We expect to get our first look at the proposed ordinance’s language sometime next week.
Smokers and non-smokers: what do you make of this idea?
P. J. Seminara:
Will the shelters be available to the public for personal use? 
Facts:
Fireman who put is in debt and calls himself "Fire Jean." Your bloated cont 
Torsten Adair:
311 works great here in NYC.
If I see something that needs fixing, I mak 
Fire Jean:
Way to go Jean Stothert! Your shortsighted decision to commandeer the fire 
Jenny:
I think it's a logical idea. Putting tax on tobacco which causes cancer is 
Tom Coffey:
Will gov't ever have enough of our money? When does it stop? 
Paul Taylor:
Ed, Good to shake your hand at Dundee Days. Just a brief note that we need 
