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State Representative Tina Liebling
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-0573
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
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HOUSE PASSES STATEWIDE SMOKING BAN
ST. PAUL – The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that cigarette smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke results annually in approximately 440,000 premature deaths in the United States, 5.5 million years of potential life lost, and $92 billion in productivity losses. The dangers associated with second-hand smoke have compelled the state Legislature to consider statewide smoke free workplace legislation this session in the interest of preserving the health of all employees in Minnesota.
After several hours of debate on the House floor, the Minnesota House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday known as the Freedom To Breathe Act by a vote of 85 to 45. Co-authors of the legislation, Rep. Tina Liebling, Rep. Kim Norton both voted in support of the bill. If signed into law by the Governor, the legislation would protect employees and the public from second-hand smoke.
"I was very pleased to see this legislation pass on the House floor," said Assistant Majority Leader, Rep. Tina Liebling of Rochester. "The dangers associated with second-hand smoke are real. By enacting statewide smoke free workplace legislation, employees in bars and restaurants and all Minnesota citizens will be better protected from the harmful and even deadly effects of inhaling second-hand smoke."
A survey conducted in December of 2006 by the American Cancer Society and Clear Way Minnesota showed that 69 percent of Minnesotans support a statewide smoking ban that includes bars and restaurants.
According to Rep. Kim Norton of Rochester, these figures hold true. "I had a significant number of constituents contact me in support of this legislation, and a survey of residents in my district showed 74% support for such a plan of those responding," said Norton. "In the interest of achieving and sustaining a more healthy society and preventing needless illness and deaths, the majority of Minnesotans want to see this legislation become law. I am glad to represent the viewpoint of the vast majority of my constituents on this issue."
Smoking has already been prohibited in bars and restaurants across Olmstead County. The legislation passed in the House would enact a similar policy statewide.
Rep. Norton went on to say, "Statewide smoke-free legislation will make certain that all bars, restaurants, and other establishments are on a level playing field."
The bill has already passed in the Senate and will now go to conference committee where members of the House and Senate will iron out the details between the two versions of the legislation. Governor Pawlenty has indicated he will sign the legislation into law when the final version of the bill arrives at his desk.
News Items
- Rep. Tina Liebling Named Chair of House Health and Human Services Policy Committee - (Posted: 2012-11-16 00:00:00)
- Statement on DEED Bonding Project Announcement - (Posted: 2012-09-13 00:00:00)
- Local Legislators to Hold Town Hall Meeting - (Posted: 2012-07-19 00:00:00)
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