Editorial: Becoming A Smoke-Free Wisconsin
Neil Heinen Weighs In On Senate Bill
Updated: 1:11 pm CDT May 2,2007
By Neil Heinen
Editorial DirectorEventually, this will be a smoke-free country, like Ireland or Italy. Changing our health habits takes time. Even the bad ones. The ones that kill us.But sooner or later, human nature is to adapt and survive. Until then, it’s necessary to eliminate smoking in public places state by state, just as was necessary to get this far city by city.It's time for the state Legislature to act in the best interest of the health of every person in this state, and pass the bipartisan Senate Bill 150, the Breathe Free Wisconsin Act. The bill calls for a ban on smoking in all indoor places including restaurants and bars and a $2 hike in the cigarette tax. Together, they will reduce the $500 million in annual Medicaid costs related to smoking and stop an estimated 42,000 children each year from stating to smoke. That's powerful medicine.The health arguments are unassailable. A statewide ban eliminates the economic disparities. It creates a level playing field and healthier state. It's time. Pass the bill to create a smoke-free Wisconsin.What do you think? Give your two cents in Channel 3000's TALKBACK section.
Editorial DirectorEventually, this will be a smoke-free country, like Ireland or Italy. Changing our health habits takes time. Even the bad ones. The ones that kill us.But sooner or later, human nature is to adapt and survive. Until then, it’s necessary to eliminate smoking in public places state by state, just as was necessary to get this far city by city.It's time for the state Legislature to act in the best interest of the health of every person in this state, and pass the bipartisan Senate Bill 150, the Breathe Free Wisconsin Act. The bill calls for a ban on smoking in all indoor places including restaurants and bars and a $2 hike in the cigarette tax. Together, they will reduce the $500 million in annual Medicaid costs related to smoking and stop an estimated 42,000 children each year from stating to smoke. That's powerful medicine.The health arguments are unassailable. A statewide ban eliminates the economic disparities. It creates a level playing field and healthier state. It's time. Pass the bill to create a smoke-free Wisconsin.What do you think? Give your two cents in Channel 3000's TALKBACK section.
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