The Smoke-Free Movement

The Chicago Sun Times today added their voice to the growing list of newspapers across the state of Illinois in calling for a statewide clean air law, and endorsing the effort introduced by State Sen. John Cullerton and public health organizations from across the state like the American Cancer Society:

If tobacco companies were trying to introduce cigarettes as a new product in 2007, they would never be allowed. They're simply too dangerous. Several countries, 21 states and 570 cities have recognized this, repealing smokers' mythical right to pollute our air in workplaces and/or bars and/or restaurants. It's time for Illinois to join them.

As the list of endorsments continues to grow, it makes the actions of local municipalities like Orland Park, and Tinley Park -- who temporarily suspended their local clean air ordinances last week -- look ever more out of step with public opinion and public health.

Share your comments below, and take time to let your local legislator know about the need to pass this important piece of public health legislation.

Posted by Smoke-Free Illinois at 5:21 AM | Permalink | Comments   

Today's Daily Southtown reported that South Suburban County Comissioner, Elizabeth Gorman, is petitioning to have the the Cook County smoke-free ordinance held back until 2008. This is a totally unacceptable position that can do nothing but maintain the status quo of turning a blind eye to the dangers of secondhand smoke in the workplace. Elizabeth Gorman needs to hear it from you that health should be the priority for all Illinois citizens and workers. Please contact her office and voice your displeasure with her recent comments:


Elizabeth Gorman
Cook County Commissioner, 17th Distrct (South Suburban)

Chicago Office
County Government Center
118 N. Clark St., Room 567
Chicago, IL 60602
Office: 312.603.4215
Fax: 312.603.2014

Des Plaines District Office
North780 Lee St. - Ste. 109
Des Plaines, IL 60016
Office: 847.759.8216
Fax: 847.759.8479

Orland Hills District Office
South Orland Hills Village Hall - 2nd Floor
16033 S. 94th Ave.
Orland Hills, IL 60487
Office: 708.349.1336
Fax: 708.349.1627

Posted by Smoke-Free Illinois at 8:03 AM | Permalink | Comments   

More and more editorial boards are publishing endorsements of Smoke-Free Illinois legislation. Here are two recent ones from Rockford and Aurora. Click on the hyperlinks below to read the full articles:

Beacon News- Ban Smoking in Tri-Cities and Beyond

Rockford Register Star- State Could be Next Entity to Pass Smoking Ban


In addition, here's a rather sarcastic editoral from Springfield addressing the smokers who have started littering in the wake of Springfield's smoke-free ordinance:

Use New Law to Dissuade Messy Smokers

Posted by Smoke-Free Illinois at 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments