Wisconsin Legislature passes
statewide smoke free bill!
Legislation
passes with overwhelming bipartisan support
Madison, May 14, 2009—Wisconsin
workers are on their way to breathing easier thanks to Wednesday’s passage of a
statewide smoke free law. The Senate voted 25 to 8 and the Assembly 61 to 38 in
favor of making all workplaces in the state smoke-free including all bars and
restaurants.
“This is a major victory for the people of Wisconsin. Our workers will be healthier and
taxpayers will save money on tobacco-related health costs while also saving
lives. It’s really a win-win for the
entire state,” said Eric Schutt, Wisconsin Government Relations Director for
the American Cancer Society.
Schutt said Wednesday’s vote is the culmination of years of
effort lead by volunteers and various organizations including SmokeFree Wisconsin, the American
Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association
and many others.
“For years people have been telling their lawmakers they
want a statewide smoke-free law and Wednesday the legislature listened. Soon everyone will have the right to
smoke-free air at work and in public,” said Maureen Busalacchi, Executive
Director of SmokeFree Wisconsin.
If signed by the
governor the law would go into effect July 5, 2010.
Secondhand smoke exposure is proven to increase the risk for
lung cancer, heart disease and serious respiratory illnesses. Twenty-five
states including Minnesota, Iowa,
Nebraska and Montana have passed similar statewide smoke
free laws as a matter of public health.
Holding Our Breath for
Smoke Free Air is a statewide alliance of health, medical, business and civic
organizations dedicated to advocating for a comprehensive statewide smoke-free
law in Wisconsin.
For more information please visit:
www.holdingourbreathwi.com
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