Wednesday, February 18, 2009

A Great Day for Wisconsin's Health


Governor Jim Doyle last night delivered some great news. Doyle announced his proposed budget for 2009-2011, and smoke-free supporters statewide have reason to celebrate. Included in the bill are two major tobacco control provisions:

* A comprehensive smoke-free law that will make every workplace and public place in the state smoke-free. The proposal is strong: it includes a 60-day implementation period and no exemptions.
* A 75-cent increase on every pack of cigarettes sold in Wisconsin.

If passed, these laws will improve health, save lives, and reduce tobacco-related healthcare costs. But the proposed budget is just that: proposed. Which means SmokeFree Wisconsin, and supporters around the state, have a lot of work to do.

Today: we celebrate. Tomorrow: the battle begins.

If you're interested in the intricacies of budget-process, check out our blog post on the subject.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is great news! Wisconsin is so behind on this issue and needs to take action quickly. It's time for Wisconsin to get with the program.

Anonymous said...

It won't pass in Doyle's proposed form. Every state smoking ban has some exemptions. Every one.

Anonymous said...

Let's hope we can have NO exemptions & NO Delays!

Anonymous said...

What can we do to help the smokefree effort, will there be a letter writing campaign, please update us on the progress and potentional supporters and people against it in the state house so we can lobby them hard or vote them out come fall.

Kind Regards,

Ted James

Anonymous said...

Wisconsin needs to step it up on SMOKE FREE!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Why should I let you make me quit smoking, Its not your right to dictate to someone else who is smoking legally. Our Country should not be led by a bunch of Dictators. We were all born free to choise and still are I think?

Anonymous said...

What gives you people to Dictate what another person can or cannot do. Arent we all still free to chose. I am a veteran and I smoke. I went to war for 4 years to protect our value of freedom and right to chose in this Country. And for that you tax my habbit so much that it is causing hardship on me. Wheres the fairness in this.