Thursday, May 17, 2007

Minnesota Governor Signs Smoke-Free Bill Into Law

Yesterday, Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty signed the "Freedom to Breathe Act," offically making Minnesota the 23rd smoke-free state. The law, which goes into effect on October 1, will make all restaurants, bars, bowling alleys, VFWs, American Legions, country clubs, and public transportation smoke-free.

Signing the bill, Governor Pawlenty exclaimed it to be, "a pround and good day for Minnesota." Added the Governor, "We will look back on this legislation 10 years from now and say, `Of course -- we should have done it sooner"

Minnesota has had a stong history of improving public health through legislation. In 1975, the state led the nation with its "Clean Indoor Air Act," which limited public smoking to designated areas. Minnesota's fight for a comprehensive statewide smoke-free law dates back to 2000, when the town of Moose Lake became the first Minnesota city to adopt a local ban. Seven counties and 10 cities followed.

Congratulations Minnesota, you deserve it! Hopefully Governor Blagojevich will soon follow your lead and make Illinois the 24th smoke-free state!

Posted by Smoke-Free Illinois at 11:40 AM | | Comments  

Monday, May 14, 2007

Minnesota Goes Smoke-Free

A comprehensive smoke-free workplace bill was approved by the Minnesota House (81-48) and Senate (43-21) on Saturday and is now headed to Governor Tim Pawlenty's desk for signature. The Governor intends to sign the bill which will make all workplaces, restaurants and bars smoke-free beginning October 1, 2007. Currently, St. Paul, Minneapolis and a eight other municipalities are protected by a smoke-free law.

Smoke-free laws are sweeping the country, with 23 states and more than 2,500 communities enjoying laws that cover workplaces, and/or restaurants, and/or bars. New Mexico is slated to go smoke-free June 15 and Maryland (Feb 1, 2008) and Illinois (January 1, 2008) have also passed smoke-free laws that are awaiting their Governor's signature.

Working with its public health partners, the Society and its sister advocacy organization, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action NetworkSM (ACS CAN), played an integral role in the passage of Minnesota's bill, supported with grants from the Society's Mission Delivery Council.

To read more on Minnesota's historic vote, click here.

Posted by Smoke-Free Illinois at 11:12 AM | | Comments