Congratulations are in order for Utah and Oregon. On January 1st, 2009 both states took big steps to protect all workers from the dangers of secondhand smoke. Oregon implemented a 100% smoke-free workplace law (including bars and restaurants), and Utah's 100% smoke-free bar provision took effect.
Hopefully, in a few short months Wisconsin can join them! To see the latest news on Governor Doyle's proposed budget (and the 100% smoke-free workplaces proposal and cigarette tax increase), check out SmokeFree's updated news page and legislation page.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Western states protecting their citizens
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.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Event tip: Serving food to elected officials
Many of you are meeting with your elected officials this legislative session. Here's a tip from Nicci in Brown County...
Nicci checked about the procedure for providing meals for elected officials at events. She said the officials need the option to pay for the meal themselves and appreciated receiving a receipt, because a paper trail is important for records keeping.
If the event is free and open to the public, the elected official may eat for free, but Nicci recommends still giving the official the option to pay for the meal.
We hope this helps as many people are planning events in the upcoming weeks!
~SmokeFree Wisconsin
Thursday, February 12, 2009
WI State Budget 101
We've been getting some requests for a budget process refresher. Watch our SlideShare presentation below to brush up on the WI budget process (hint: click on the presentation and choose the "download" link above the slides to view the notes that accompany this presentation!):
WI State Budget 101
Spread the word! Feel free to share this information with your colleagues and friends.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Congress Passes and President to Sign Historic Tobacco Tax Increase
We just received exciting news from our friends at the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids in Washington, DC --
In the last few hours, the United States Congress passed legislation increasing the federal tobacco tax by 62 cents per pack and President Obama is expected to sign it into law this afternoon. After thousands of emails and phone calls…after years of effort…today, America took a significant step forward towards a healthier future for all.
Consider that the tobacco tax increase will result in:
- more than 1 million adult smokers quitting
- nearly 2 million kids alive today who will not become smokers
- nearly 1 million lives saved from what would have otherwise been a smoking-caused death
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