From: Whipple, Deb (GOV)
Sent: Friday, December 11, 2009 3:41 PM
Subject: What the Governor is talking about today
What the Governor’s Talking about Today
Friday, December 11, 2009
 
Governor Will Sign Smoking Ban Legislation
 
The governor is applauding final action on House Bill 4377 passed by the Legislature on Thursday that will ban smoking in Michigan bars, restaurants and most other workplaces beginning May 1, 2010.  “It’s a terrific gift to Michigan,” she said.
 
There are exceptions to the smoking ban: the gaming floors of the three Detroit casinos (but casino bars, restaurants and hotels must be smoke-free), tobacco specialty retail stores, existing cigar bars, home offices and motor vehicles.  The legislation also does not affect Michigan’s 20 American Indian casinos.
 
When the governor signs the bill into law, Michigan will be the 38th state with a workplace smoking ban.
 
Key messages:
 
•  The governor has long supported a smoking ban and has repeatedly called for it in her State of the State addresses.
 
•  Secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in Michigan, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths each year.  Smoking-related illnesses in adults include heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lower respiratory illnesses and diabetes.  Children and adolescents exposed to secondhand smoke can develop asthma, ear infections, colds and pneumonia.
 
•  Each year in Michigan, smoking is responsible for $3.4 billion in health-care costs and $3.8 billion in lost productivity.

# # #