The Smoke-Free Movement
Governor Blagojevich: "sounds to me like that would be something that I will enthusiastically sign"
From today's State Journal-Register:
Governor probably would sign statewide smoking ban
Last Updated 5/1/2007 1:07:42 PM
CHICAGO - Gov. Rod Blagojevich said today he would likely -- and "enthusiastically" -- sign a bill to ban smoking at all indoor work places if lawmakers send him the legislation.
Such a measure already has passed the Senate and may be called as soon as today in the House. The legislation would go beyond a 2005 state law that allowed all local governments in Illinois to decide whether to enact smoking curbs.
"Let me see the bill, but it sure sounds to me like that would be something that I will enthusiastically sign," Blagojevich said this morning at an unrelated appearance. "And I would be shocked if there was something in that bill that I didn't like that would keep me from signing it."
Proponents of SB500 have said the measure would protect employees at Illinois bars and restaurants where smoking currently is allowed. Opponents say the issue is better left to local officials.
Blagojevich appeared in Chicago with representatives of the Illinois chapter of the AARP, which endorsed the governor's proposal to offer subsidized medical care to uninsured adults. The AARP, however, did not take a stand on Blagojevich's controversial idea to tax certain businesses to pay for the cost.
-- GateHouse News Service
Governor probably would sign statewide smoking ban
Last Updated 5/1/2007 1:07:42 PM
CHICAGO - Gov. Rod Blagojevich said today he would likely -- and "enthusiastically" -- sign a bill to ban smoking at all indoor work places if lawmakers send him the legislation.
Such a measure already has passed the Senate and may be called as soon as today in the House. The legislation would go beyond a 2005 state law that allowed all local governments in Illinois to decide whether to enact smoking curbs.
"Let me see the bill, but it sure sounds to me like that would be something that I will enthusiastically sign," Blagojevich said this morning at an unrelated appearance. "And I would be shocked if there was something in that bill that I didn't like that would keep me from signing it."
Proponents of SB500 have said the measure would protect employees at Illinois bars and restaurants where smoking currently is allowed. Opponents say the issue is better left to local officials.
Blagojevich appeared in Chicago with representatives of the Illinois chapter of the AARP, which endorsed the governor's proposal to offer subsidized medical care to uninsured adults. The AARP, however, did not take a stand on Blagojevich's controversial idea to tax certain businesses to pay for the cost.
-- GateHouse News Service