It's time...to breathe free
It’s time for ALL Wisconsin public buildings, workplaces, restaurants, and taverns to be smoke-free. No exceptions!
Why It's Time
April 8, 2008: The It's Time... to breathe free Coalition released a new poll showing Wisconsin voters overwhelmingly support a strong smoke-free law that would make all restaurants and bars smoke-free. Support has increased 5 percentage points since the same poll question was asked just one year ago.
The highlights:
- 69% of Wisconsin voters support a statewide smoke-free law including bars and restaurants
- 78% of Wisconsin voters expect a smoke-free law to be enacted within 2 years
- 60% of Wisconsin voters agree more with a candidate who pushes for immediate action on a smoke-free law rather than a candidate who wants to tackle other state issues first, like the state's budget deficit, and delay action due to a fear of loss of business (34%)
- 60% of Wisconsin voters are more likely to vote for a candidate who supports a strong smoke-free law compared to only 24% who are more likely to vote for a candidate who opposes a strong smoke-free law
- 69% of Wisconsin voters support a law that makes all workplaces and public places, including all restaurants and bars, smoke-free. (The Mellman Group/Public Opinion Strategies poll Mar. 2008)
- The U.S. Surgeon General has concluded that eliminating smoking in indoor places is the only way to protect nonsmokers from exposure to secondhand smoke.
- The Wisconsin Restaurant Association is stepping up to protect the people who patronize and work in their industry—they have endorsed a comprehensive statewide smoke-free bill with no exemptions.
- 24 states, including Minnesota and Illinois, have passed laws that require restaurants and bars to be smoke-free.
- More reasons why It's Time!
Events
On March 4th, 2008 over 1,000 supporters of the Breathe Free Wisconsin Act from all over the state came to Madison to rally in support of smoke-free air legislation and ask our lawmakers to approve SB 150/AB 834 without delay.
Citizens for
Rally and Day at the Capitol with |
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News
New CDC Report Subtly Blasts Wisconsin: BreatheFree Wisconsin Supporters Tell Lawmakers "It's Time"- Press Release, It's Time... to Breathe Free Coalition (5/22/08)
New Poll Shows Strong Support for Smoke-free Law - Press Release, It's Time... to Breathe Free Coalition (4/4/08)
Legislature Ends Session Without Protecting Workers' Health - Statement, It's Time... to Breathe Free Coalition (3/13/08)
The "It's Time...to breathe free" Coalition is a diverse group of organizations that supports comprehensive legislation to prohibit smoking in all indoor public places, including public buildings, workplaces, offices, restaurants, and taverns.
