Topeka, KS. Jan. 15, 2010: Several Dickinson and Morris County residents have joined a chorus of voices across Kansas asking Kansas legislators to approve a smoke free law for Kansas in 2010. Residents in Herrington and Council Grove were among many Kansans who have shared their story about second hand smoke and how it has impacted their lives.
In Herrington, Virginia Phelps talked about experiencing second hand smoke on the job. “I worked in a bar and second hand smoke ruined my lungs,” she said. “I don’t even smoke. That’s
terrible.” Phelps has asked Kansas State Representative Tom Moxley to support statewide smoking restrictions that include restaurants and bars.
Council Grove resident, Vernon Hay, also asked Moxley to consider the health care costs due to second hand smoke exposure. Hay said he wants a comprehensive smoke free law for Kansas. “I feel strongly this is one of the things we should be doing if we are serious about health care costs.”
The Kansas House of Representatives is expected to address a public smoking bill this session. Last year the Kansas Senate approved the Kansas Clean Indoor Air Act. If the House acts on this public health issue this session, Kansas Governor Mark Parkinson said he will sign a smoke free law this year provided it doesn’t contain numerous exemptions and loopholes. To date 38 states
including North Carolina have approved statewide restrictions on smoking in public places and workplaces.
Thirty-six communities and three counties in Kansas have taken the initiative at the local level to provide protections from second hand smoke. “The state is at a tipping point,” said Jake Lowen of Clean Air Kansas. “It’s clear a majority of Kansans want the Kansas legislature to step in and provide protections for all because everyone has the right to breathe smoke free, clean indoor air.”
Clean Air Kansas has partnered with the numerous organizations across the state in calling for a smoke free law for Kansas, including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, Kansas Academy of Family Physicians, Tobacco Free Kansas, Kansas Action for Children and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.
Supporters want a statewide public health law that would restrict smoking in public places and workplaces including restaurants and bars. Public health experts point to documented health benefits, such as an immediate reduction in heart attack rates, lower health care costs, more people who quit smoking, young people who don’t start smoking and saved lives.
