The Smoke-Free Movement

Yesterday's launch of Smoke Free Illinois was a HUGE success. Here is a photo of the coalition, led by our Sponsor, Sen. John Cullerton, along with Sens. Mattie Hunter, Christine Radogno, American Cancer Society President Dr. Clement Rose, and cancer survivor Lisa Christia.

Thanks to all of our coalition partners for making yesterday a success.

Posted by Smoke-Free Illinois at 9:13 AM | Permalink | Comments   

The debate on Smoke Free Illinois continues on Rich Miller's highly influential Capitol Fax blog. Please go to his site and help drive the debate in the direction of public health!

Click here to add your voice to the debate

Posted by Smoke-Free Illinois at 8:58 AM | Permalink | Comments   

As you know by now, Senator Cullerton introduced a comprehensive smoke-free bill that will protect all of us from secondhand smoke. Finally the citizens of this state are seeing some action that will protect workers health and make our workplaces safer and cleaner environments. Don't you agree?

The Capitol Fax Blog already has comments posted from an article that appeared on the Chicago Tribune's website this afternoon. It's based on a press conference the American Cancer Society and its partners just had with the Senator this morning. Take a peak. You might want to comment on there too.

http://thecapitolfaxblog.com/

Posted by Smoke-Free Illinois at 3:05 PM | Permalink | Comments   

The Smoke-Free Illinois Act was introduced not even six hours ago but already we're getting hit was a TON of positive media coverage.

Here is Sen. Cullerton's press release: "Sen. Cullerton Introduces Comprehensive Measure to Make Illinois Smoke-Free"

Tribune: "Legislator proposes statewide public smoking ban"

State Journal-Register: "State Senator proposes statewide indoor smoking ban"

Daily Herald EDITORIAL: "Need for state smoking law clearer than ever"

Posted by Smoke-Free Illinois at 2:06 PM | Permalink | Comments   

Today SB 500, the Smoke-Free Illinois Act was publically introduced. The bill's sponsor is Sen. John Cullerton from the Gold Coast region of Chicago. SB 500 calls for 100% smoke-free workplaces including restaurants, bars, bowling, and private clubs. The only exemptions would be private residences, retail tobacco stores, private rooms in nursing holmes, and 25% of hotel rooms.

IDPH, local health departments and local law enforcement would enforce the law.

SB 500 would basically set the minimum standard for stronger language at the local level. In other words, a community could pass their own ordinance that would be stronger than the state law, but a community couldn't pass an ordinance that would weaken the bill.

For more information visit the Illinois General Assembly.

Posted by Smoke-Free Illinois at 1:42 PM | Permalink | Comments