Pressure For Smoking Ban
Pressure For Smoking Ban Save Email Print
Representatives feel pressure to pass smoking ban legislation.
Posted: 6:07 PM May 13, 2008
 Last Updated: 8:27 PM May 13, 2008
 Reporter: Tiffany Teasley
Email Address: Tiffany.Teasley@wilx.com
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There's no ifs, ands or butts about it, rumor of a statewide smoking ban is slowly but surely becoming a reality.

 
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"We will have and opportunity to concur our not concur with what the Senate has done as soon as they send it to us and we receive the bill from the secretary, we can do that," said Andrew Meisner (D) Hazel Park.

But that hasn't happened just yet, and the pressure is building.

"I think that they're really feeling the grassroots pressure and this is giving them the confidence to make these kinds of decisions and move this legislation forward because they know they have the public support," said Judy Stewart of the American Cancer Society.

And after the Michigan Senate's overwhelming vote in favor of the ban last week, Michigan Representatives are beginning to feel the pressure from their colleagues and their constituents.

" I think the pressure that they were able to bring is part of the reason the legislation came up in the Senate, and my encouragement to them is to keep the heat on, " Meisner said.

American Cancer Society volunteers say the legislation is 10 years in the making and they're hoping lawmakers get to the bottom of the ban.

"We've had several different versions of the bill that have come up and not seen the light of day so we're just elated that we're finally seeing some legislative action," Stewart said.

It may not be this week, but legislators are confident that the ban will soon be final.

"I think it definitely has a good change to pass the only question is what version will take place and will there be exceptions to this smoking ban or will there not be," said Rep. Paul Opsommer (R) DeWitt.

But citizens aren't excepting no for an answer.
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Posted by: Marjorie Location: Mears, MI on May 27, 2008 at 12:07 PM
We must GO Smoke free to help our employees in this great state plus everyone else!!
Posted by: Jeff Location: Charlotte on May 15, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Loosing a right? I am gaining a right! The right to be able to go to a bar or resturant and breath clean air and not leave smelling like a dirty ash tray!This will not hurt business at all. What are you smokers going to do, sit at home and never go out? You will adjust and get over it. Those of you that keep saying "If you dont like the smoke, dont go to places that allow smoking" I have a better Idea. Why dont all you smokers not go to all the bars and resturants that become Non-smoking if you dont like it". See how that works? Dont like that idea do you? Well, its not any different. The way I look at is we have had to put up with your smoking for the last how many years? Now its your turn to put up with us non-smokers. I guess when they come up with a cigerette that you can inhale 100% of the toxic smoke and only exhale clean non-toxic air you can smoke in public again, until then I guess you are out of luck. If you cant go without smoking for an hour, U better re-examine your life.
Posted by: gg Location: holt on May 15, 2008 at 10:08 AM
not a good idea.will hurt more than help.just a pleasure to some.high prices for bussiness,less customers.there's so many things polluting,causeing health problems as well.toxic things everywhere.even in water,the air we brethe.but blameing it on one thing.CIGGS.and over rated and not enough facts to say 2nd hand smoke does this or that.it keeps us busy and blaming,while many other things get away with causeing lung problems,cancers,breathing problems,ect.things the government don't want us to know about.look at daves comment.so true.just because we can't smell something or taste something,does not make it ok.silent killers,health problems ect.discrimation,people rights,loss of money,all is a big factor here.smoking is legal.places allowed it for years.now to change it?more freedoms get lost.how would people like it if booze was limited?same differance.it can kill thoes that don't drink.accidents.can cause many to do stupid stuff that hurts others.stop one,stop both.
Posted by: Chris Location: stockbridge on May 14, 2008 at 04:03 PM
I,m tired of people telling me what to say and what to do that doesn't offend other people. Live and let live.
Posted by: Harry Location: F on May 14, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Ban smoking everywhere. people will adjust.
Posted by: Non Smoker Location: Jackson on May 14, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Open your eyes people!!! Everytime a law is passed we Loose 1 more right. It's your choice to work in a bar were people have smoked since they opened. Its also our choice to pay $4.00 a gallon for fuel, because the people are to stupid to demand to our goverment to use our own resourses. WAKE UP !!!!!!!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Lansing on May 14, 2008 at 01:16 PM
I'm with Tom! This is really going to hurt the bar business.
Posted by: dave Location: east lansing on May 14, 2008 at 12:35 PM
You are all so worried about workers' health. What about banning new carpeting, old carpeting, opening things wrapped in paper, spraying to prevent insects? All of these are proven indoor carcinogens yet no one complains about these? Y'all make me sick thinking you are right and just in dictating what business owners do with their private property. And, by the way, a lack of freedoms is not what makes a country communist. Communism is about economics. But being from Michigan, I suppose you weren't educated that well; it shows in your opinions.
Posted by: Brandy Location: Lansing on May 14, 2008 at 12:32 PM
I understand that non-smokers do not like to inhale 2nd hand smoke. They do have a choice of whether to go into a facility where there is smoking. If there is a statewide ban, that leaves us smokers with no options. That is not fair. It should be up to the owner of individual businesses whether they want to have smoking allowed. Everyone has the option to enter or not enter a business where smoking is allowed. Why not keep it as is? That way everyone has a choice. I'm sure that my comments will fall on deaf ears, but I choose to speak up in hopes that my opinion as well as the non-smokers opinions will be heard.
Posted by: Anonymous on May 14, 2008 at 12:23 PM
the long term effect of,if this passes,alot of people won't like.it will cause problems and it is certainly a freedom thing.non smokers tell smokers go some where else,visa versa.it will cost bussiness loss of bussiness.or there will be alot of cigg butts all over the ground where people find a place to smoke.if there is away to find out how many smoke,in what bussinesses,owners should be able to fight this with good lawyers.most work places and bars have smoke free areas.so non smokers are pushing loss of for things that are under control.more are stopping smoking,it causes ones making ciggs,loss,up goes prices,layoffs,ect.remember how much the governments get from cigg taxes.when they run out of buyers,co closes,jobs lost,and a big,big amount of tax money.up goes our taxes more.be careful what we ask for.the gov won't give up tax money,so we all pay more.long term effects.I don't smoke,but will put up with some who does,to keep my taxes down.reverse this,non smokers not allowed?
Posted by: non-smoker Location: Lansing on May 14, 2008 at 11:48 AM
It is really nice to say that smokers have rights, but who pays for their medical costs when they get a tobacco related illness. WE DO! With more people on Medicaid/Medicare the public at large pay the price for your so called right to smoke. Smokers take more breaks at work then others, just because they need that nicotine fix more often. What about all that time lost? If smoking is just affecting you then pay for your own medical expenses out of pocket when you become ill due to a tobacco related illness. You can't afford that? Too bad! Raise the costs of medical care even more. What the hell, we can afford it right? Most adults don't even have medical care so who pays the bill? Are you getting it now? We do!!!
Posted by: Jay Location: Jackson on May 14, 2008 at 10:00 AM
There is always two sides to everything (as we are reading here).
Posted by: Lansing Location: Lansing on May 14, 2008 at 08:01 AM
I agree, smoking is bad,however, smokers have rights too, our country is slowly becoming communist.
Posted by: tom Location: holt on May 14, 2008 at 06:49 AM
for all thoes that don't smoke thats alright.however when it causes bussiness,like the bars and restruants to loose bussiness.don't complain when prices go up to cover lack of bussiness.our mich government need not cmplain when many go to other states to give them bussiness.and don't complain when compaines find this ruleing another reason not to bring jobs to mich,less jobs,less taxes,so the better off ones will be paying higher taxes.freedoms are a big issue here.get away takeing one away,watch more be taken away.wait till they pass a law,that only two drinks can be sold in a bar.to stop drunk driving.just wait till mich has so many taxes,and laws that are made to just please some.good luck paying the bill for what others won't,and there's only few jobs left.the more people and jobs that leave mich mean less taxes,and higher prices for loss of bussiness.if this llaw passes,I hope all smokers just stay out of these places and go else wheres,and prices go up so high for the non smokers.
Posted by: James Location: Lansing on May 13, 2008 at 11:41 PM
To anonymous: I work in a bar. I don't hang around people who smoke, they hang around me. Leaving the room does nothing unless the rooms have completley different heating and ventillation systems. I don't see why you should be complaining you can still smoke. Just not where, in doing so, you also make me smoke.
Posted by: REAL PARENT Location: LESLIE on May 13, 2008 at 11:26 PM
HEY,PARENT OF THE YEAR THINKS PEOPLE LOOK COOL HUDDULED AROUND THE SMOKING. A GOOD PARENT POINTS OUT SITUATIONS TO THEIR CHILDREN AND EXPLAIN THINGS TO THEM. NEXT TIME TRY POINTING OUT THE GOOD THINGS ABOUT SMOKING LIKE...(ARENT ANY) AND THE BAD THINGS LIKE MAKES YOU STINK, STAINS YOUR TEETH, BURNS YOUR CLOTHES, DRIVES PEOPLE AWAY, OH...AND IT KILLS YOU!
Posted by: Brian Location: Restaurant Worker on May 13, 2008 at 11:15 PM
Anonymous, are you stupid or what? It is up to the individual and will continue to be. However if the ban passes the individual who chooses to smoke won't also choose for me. If I'm working and you light up, where's my choice? How about if you leave and go home and don't hang around people who don't want to smoke your leftovers!
Posted by: Parent Location: Williamston on May 13, 2008 at 08:45 PM
just great as we need a law that push smoking out of bars and work place (where kids are not present) and in to the streets where it would look as though a group of people are having fun and looks very cool to my kids as I drive by going to pick up some icecream ! Thanks thats great why cant they just work on keeping and getting some jobs in Michigan !!
Posted by: anonymous on May 13, 2008 at 07:58 PM
I think it should be up to the individual,if others don't like it then leave the room or don't hang around people who smoke.
Posted by: Helen Location: Lansing on May 13, 2008 at 07:14 PM
Having asthma,I know how important it is to protect others from secondhand smoke. Please encourage the legislaters to pass this band.
Posted by: Tired of Choking on Smoke Location: Everywhere in Michigan on May 13, 2008 at 07:12 PM
I can't think of a single plausible "exception". How could it be OK for workers to breath someone else's smoke in one building but not in another? I say ban it in all buildings that house employees.
Posted by: T Location: Michigan on May 13, 2008 at 06:56 PM
I quit smoking the begining of the year. I feel a state wide band is stuipd if people wanna smoke they can smoke,i grew up with smoking sections and this is another way for the govment to contol us. This Was a free country and now we are being told what to eat,what not to eat,cant smoke now,Soon we will have to register to have children like they do in china.Do these people relize that people are going to smoke if they want to and the extra money the goverment gets for taxing it. This is horrible.
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  • Posted By: Get a brain!!: This was a freak accident. It's a tragedy for all involved including the Alward family and the trucker and his family. Pointing fingers isn't going to change this horrible accident.
  • Posted By: Scott: He was a wonderful caring officer and he will be greatly missed. Please pray for his family & friends.
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  • Posted By: unknown: Why are you all debating what killed him?? I only hope that either way, his last site was not the semi coming towards him
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  • Posted By: FAMILY FRIEND: Doug was a great father,husband,friend and officer all that knew him knew how special he was this is such a tragedy for all concerned RIP doug we all love you
  • Posted By: bob: motorcycles suck!!!!
  • Posted By: Laurie: Doug was special,the pregnant lady said it best..that was Doug! He lived, he loved and he laughed thru out his life. We'll miss him so much and our lives are forever changed, but he would be the first in line to check on the semi driver, that's our Doug. Please pray for ALL invloved,this was an accident that changed many lives forever including the semi driver. He didn't just take an oath to protect and serve...Doug cared! Miss you Dougie..Luv you Alimoto!
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  • Posted By: Michelle: This is just a tragedy. OUr family's thoughts and prayers are with the young officer and his family and of course the driver, who will live with this unfortunate accident.
  • Posted By: Julie: My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Douglas.
  • Posted By: Mark: Riding a motorcycle involves some inherent risks. Deerhunter's ignorant solution to "kill them all" is only surpassed by his selfish concern for his garden.
  • Posted By: ouija: Re: deerhunter's comments-you sound like a brutal, angry animal abuser-get a life!
  • Posted By: what does it matter: I see posts are being deleted, sensorship for cops only!!!!
  • Posted By: : He did survive the deer accident, just not the semi who hit him afterwards. God obviously was calling him home and we won't know why. Prayers to the wife and children!
  • Posted By: dumbfounded: criminal charges????? are u kidding!!! the deputy hit a deer causing the accident the semi driver was not out to hurt anyone. My heart goes out to everyone involved.
  • Posted By: Jane: Andrea, you missed the part where he not only hit the deer, he then was run over. THAT'S what killed him, not hitting the deer.
  • Posted By: Friend of the Fallen: Our family's thoughts and prayers go out to Doug's family and friends/co-workers. You will always be remembered in our hearts. Thanks for the memories.
  • Posted By: checkeredpast: The semi driver may not have been injured, but I imagine he was deeply hurt by this tragic series of events. I would hope there are no criminal charges. My thoughts are with the driver, and the young mans family.
  • Posted By: DeerHunter: Just another senseless death caused by the true pest in Michigan. Except this pest won't eat out the roots of your garden, this pest will eat your entire garden then walk in front of you as you are trying to drive to work. Kill them all. Whitetails that is, what a waste of a life due to concerns over obsolete parts of our foodchain. My thoughts and prayers to the family, and to the man who was at the wrong place at the wrong time.
  • Posted By: Andrea: You would think motorcycle training courses (have to pass to get cycle endorsement)would teach you how to hit a deer and survive. My brother has hit 4 and managed to survive amazingly. My thoughts and prayers to the deptuy's family and friends.
  • Posted By: amy: Our prayers are with the family, friends and co workers of this young officer.
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