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State Representative Joe Atkins
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4192
For more information contact: Chris Shields 651-296-8873
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ATKINS CALLS SMOKING BAN SURVEY AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS
ST. PAUL - Representative Joe Atkins, Chair of the House Commerce and Labor Committee, called the committee's smoking ban survey a huge success. In just one week online, more than 10,000 people visited the committee's website to take the survey. 1500 people left comments as well. The survey is not designed to be scientific, primarily because respondents choose to take it rather than being selected at random.
"We wanted to give Minnesotans a convenient way to participate in their government, no matter where they live or whether or not they can attend the hearing," Atkins said. "They've obviously taken advantage of the opportunity."
Atkins said he hopes to offer more opportunities for the public to participate from their home or workplace.
"In an age when people can order a pizza or a DVD over the web, we should be using the same technology for people to have a say on what their government does," added Atkins.
These survey results and comments are being forwarded to members of the Commerce Committee. The panel will vote on HF 305, the Freedom to Breathe Act, on Thursday, March 1. Minnesotans who haven't taken the survey are encouraged to do so before Thursday at www.house.mn/commerce.
As of February 26, 10,140 people took they survey. The results are as follows:
1. Do you support House File 305, the smoking ban bill?
47.08% Yes 48.49% No 4.43% Don't know
2. Should the smoking ban apply to bars as well as restaurants?
45.61% Yes 53.72% No 0.67% Don't know
3. Do you feel private clubs should be exempted from a smoking ban?
56.52% Yes 39.89% No 3.58% Don't know
4. Should local governments be allowed to pass a stricter ban than state law?
41.10% Yes 55.54% No 3.36% Don't know
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