The Smoke-Free Movement
smoke-free makes the front page
This morning the smoke-free movement made the front page of the Chicago Tribune with an excellent article on Ohio's recently passed smoke-free law. In the November midterms, Ohio voters approved a ballot measure to make "The Buckeye State" 100 percent smoke-free. Starting Thursday, protected under Ohio's smoke-free law will be all restaurants, bars, bingo halls, private clubs, and bowling alleys. As the first state in the midwest (and first tobacco producing state) to approve such a law, this move could prove to be the tipping point in the midwest that smoke-free advocates have been waiting for. This law should send a message to state political leaders that their constituents demand protection of their health rights in the workplace. Ohio's smoke-free law was approved by 58% of the voters and only 35% of voters supported a counter measure endorsed by R.J. Reynolds. The time has come for Illinois government to take a cue from our neighbors to the east and move to pretect all Illinois workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Congratulations Buckeyes and enjoy a smoke-free BCS Championship!