MINNESOTA HOUSE COMMITTEE PASSES SMOKING BAN

02/18/2007

Representative Ken Tschumper 31B


(ST. PAUL, MN) -- According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 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. Despite these phenomenal statistics, many Minnesotans continue to be exposed to second -hand smoke in public places.

Last week, the House Health and Human Services Committee passed the Freedom To Breathe Act, a bill that bans smoking in public places statewide. As a member of the Committee I strongly supported the bill and voted for it. It passed 12-6 with bi-partisan support.

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. The overwhelming number of constituents who have contacted me in regards to the Freedom to Breathe Act wanted me to support it.

Some opponents of the bill claim that banning smoking in bars and restaurants will drive out business. However, by banning smoking in restaurants and bars statewide with no exceptions, we created a level playing field for all businesses. I felt that protecting the health and welfare of employees and customers in these establishments was a higher priority.

By passing the Freedom To Breathe Act in the Health and Human Services Committee, we have moved the State one step closer to achieving a more healthy society. Employees, customers, children, and all Minnesotans will be protected from the deadly effects of second-hand smoking in every mode of public transportation, every public setting, every restaurant, and every bar in this state.

The bill must now pass in the Commerce and Labor Committee, Conference Committee, and then go to the floor of the House and Senate before the Governor can sign the bill. Governor Pawlenty has indicated he would sign such a statewide smoking ban into law.

I hope the Governor and my colleagues in the Legislature enact a statewide smoking ban for Minnesota. In doing so we will prevent countless unnecessary deaths from second-hand smoke.