From: Joe@smokefree.org
Date: Thu, 06/10/04
Romney Set to Sign Mass. Smokefree Workplace Law
Massachusetts to become 6th smokefree workplace state; Rhode Island next
BOSTON, 6/10/04 - Gov. Mitt Romney is set to sign a statewide smokefree
workplace law after the Massachusetts Senate gave final legislative approval to
the bill on Thursday.
"The governor believes the statewide law is one of the most important public
health initiatives in the state and looks forward to signing it into law,"
spokeswoman Shawn Feddeman said.
Sen. Richard T. Moore, chairman of the Health Care Committee, signed the
legislation on behalf of the Senate this morning, calling it "essential to the
health of Massachusetts residents."
Massachusetts will join five other states - California, New York, Connecticut,
Maine, and Delaware - and hundreds of cities that have already approved
statewide smokefree workplace laws.
The new law will take effect on July 5.
In related news, the Rhode Island House of Representatives unanimously passed
smokefree workplace legislation joining the Rhode Island Senate which passed
similar legislation earlier this year.
"This brings Rhode Island into the mainstream in the Northeast," said Sen.
Elizabeth Roberts, D-Cranston.
"We have a moral obligation to our citizens to protect their health," said Rep.
Joseph McNamara, D-Warwick, whose brother died of lung cancer.
Rep. Thomas Slater, D-Providence, said he smoked three packs of cigarettes a day
for 12 years before quitting. He has since contracted lung cancer. "It's a
terrible feeling," he said. "This bill is a long time coming."
Gov. Don Carcieri said he favored smokefree workplace legislation and is
expected to sign it when it reaches his desk.
Massachusetts and Rhode Island legislators heard bogus claims from tobacco front
groups about proposed filtration and ventilation solutions. They soundly
rejected such claims in favor of 100% clean indoor air.
To win smokefree air where YOU live, go to http://www.smokefree.net/alerts.php
Joseph W. Cherner
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the
world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead
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