Hi! I'm Amber...

Hello all, my name is Amber, and I'll be voicing my comments, thoughts and perspectives on this blog from here on out. In the last year or so, I have really gained an interest in smoke-free air campaigns, and I am in strong support of Senator Risser's Breathe Free Wisconsin Act!

As a 22 year old student at the University of Wisconsin, I am a strong supporter of the smoke-free air in the bars and restaurants here in Madison. Although I support smoke-free air for many reasons, including improving the lives of bartenders and waitstaff, I have to admit on a personal note that I love being able to come home from a night out with my friends and not having to wake up with a sore throat the next day.

I am originally from Neenah, WI, a small city ten minutes south of Appleton. Even now when I visit home, I strongly advocate going out in Appleton as opposed to going out in Neenah, simply because I cannot stand breathing smoke while I'm out and smelling of smoke when I leave. It's not just me though; many of my friends agree that even though Appleton isn't our "home turf," we prefer hanging out there simply because we can breathe free.

Anyway, enough about me. I look forward to reading everyone's comments on the issue, and I'll talk to you soon.

Tobacco Control Conference Next Week (Tues-Wed)

Don't forget next week is the annual WI Tobacco Prevention and Control Conference. Activists, educators, and public health organizations from around the state will be gathering to share knowledge and connect around the tobacco issues that affect our state.
Among other special guests, Governor Jim Doyle, who this year launched an aggressive anti-smoking initiative for the State of Wisconsin, will be speaking to the conference. If you're not already registered, you can register for the conference here. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network and attend breakout sessions with experts in the field from around Wisconsin and even some national presenters!
I'll be there, and I hope you can make it too!

Today's big announcement

Today, the It's Time... to breathe free Coalition is announcing that five big players in Wisconsin's hospitality industry are joining the fight for smoke-free air.

If you haven't had the chance to join thousands of smoke-free supporters across the state by signing our petition in support of the Breathe Free Wisconsin Act, click here to sign today!

The momentum is building - today the WI Tourism Federation, the WI Innkeepers Association, the WI Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus, the Association of WI Tourism Attractions, and the Wisconsin Dells Convention and Visitors Bureau are joining with other business organizations like the Wisconsin Restaurant Association and with our state's major public health groups in support of the Breathe Free Wisconsin Act.

As Senator Risser pointed out at the press conference this morning, pretty much the only group we know of (besides the Tobacco Industry) who is still opposing eliminating secondhand smoke from the workplace is the Tavern League. This is about worker health. This is about creating an environment in Wisconsin that is inviting for everyone, so that worrying about our health doesn't impede finding a good job or enjoying a night out with family and friends. With the addition of Wisconsin's major tourism representatives today, our coalition is getting louder in saying, "It's time... to breathe free!"

... and Maryland...

The states are falling like dominoes! When's Wisconsin's turn?

Maryland State Legislature passes smoke-free bill.

... and Illinois too!

The Illinois State Senate also passed a comprehensive smoke-free bill. Two months and counting since Governor Doyle's announcement...

Click here to show your support by signing the petition for a comprehensive smoke-free law for the State of Wisconsin.

VOTE TODAY

Today is Spring Election Day, which means you have to get out there and vote! Local elections are particularly important because up until now it has been local elected officials who have taken the lead on passing smoke-free ordinances. Without the courage of some of these folks, we wouldn't even be talking about a statewide law today.
Don't know where to vote? Your City/Village/Town Clerk should be able to tell you. Some cities like Madison have special webpages devoted to looking up district data and identifying polling locations - check to see if your city/village/town has one.
Don't know who to vote for? Many local papers provide links to candidate websites like Madison's The Daily Page, which is also live blogging today's election. You can also search through back articles for information on candidates' positions on smoke-free air.
See you at the polls!