Well, it's that time of year again. And by that, I mean our state's legislators (House and Senate) are in session again. Last year was the first year that the "tanning bill"was introduced (a bill that would prohibit minors from using indoor tanning devices) and unfortunately, it passed the House, but then was dropped in the Senate.
Now, the bill is up again on the agenda. Here's to hoping it passes this year. Because let's face it, we have a problem with teen tanning in Idaho (compared to the national average), and we need to do something about it. We also need to do a better job educating others on the dangers of these cancer-causing devices as well.
Just as we did last year, some of the Sol Survivors were able to testify in favor of the bill at a hearing held on Wednesday by the House Health and Welfare committee. It is always an intriguing, enlightening experience! While I am grateful and humbled to get the opportunity to listen in on these hearings, as well as speak and share a little of my own personal story with melanoma and tanning beds, it is also disheartening to hear the other side of it--the people against the bill.
Robin, Lisa and I--some of the Sol Survivors
Me, Robin, and Blake (the guy who headed up the bill)
Those people come out guns a'blazing and it gets pretty nasty. As I listened to them testify, my blood pressure and heart rate went through the roof, my palms and armpits got sweaty and clamy and I wanted to punch someone! ;)
Let's hope our legislators get smart this year though and pass this very important bill. We need to change the way we think Idaho!
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