Bill would end all workplace smoking in Wisconsin
Madison, April 24, 2009—A new bipartisan statewide smoke-free workplace bill is being circulated for cosponsors in the Wisconsin Legislature. The bill was introduced today by coauthors State Senator Fred Risser (D-Madison), State Senator Mike Ellis (R-Neenah), State Representative Jon Richards (D-Milwaukee) and State Representative Al Ott (R-Forest Junction) and would end workplace smoking in Wisconsin including inside all restaurants and taverns.
“The introduction of this bill is an important step toward improving the health of all Wisconsin workers. Everyone deserves the right to breathe smoke-free air at work,” said Eric Schutt, Wisconsin Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society.
“Today’s action is a long time coming and we thank all the coauthors for their leadership on this public health issue. We look forward to working with them and other members of the legislature as this bill moves through the process,” said Maureen Busalacchi, Executive Director of SmokeFree Wisconsin.
Secondhand smoke is a proven health hazard linked to increased risk of cancer, heart disease and numerous respiratory illnesses. In 2006 the U.S. Surgeon General’s report concluded there is no safe level of secondhand smoke exposure.
Currently more than a half million people in Wisconsin live in communities with comprehensive smoke-free workplace ordinances. Verona was the most recent city to pass a comprehensive ordinance effective August 15th—the same day all of Dane County goes smoke-free.
Just last week more than 6,000 people in 48 hours signed an online petition in support of a statewide smoke-free law and a series of polls released last month show more than 75% of people who live in smoke-free communities support their city’s ordinance.
“Clearly people in Wisconsin want to go smoke-free,” said Schutt. “This bill represents an important move toward giving everyone in Wisconsin what they want—smoke-free air at work.”
A comprehensive statewide smoke-free provision was also in Governor Doyle’s proposed 2009-2011 state budget.
Twenty-five states including Minnesota, Illinois, and Iowa have passed statewide smoke-free laws as a matter of public health.
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