Below is a call to action from Susan Schechter, J.D., Director of Advocacy at the American Lung Association of Michigan. Her message and request is in regards to HB 4163 which would make Michigan workplaces (including bars, restaurants) smoke free. Her message makes easy to contact key state legislators with a request to hold a hearing and vote on the bill.
Keven Mosley-Koehler
HIP Coordinator
First off, we would like to thank you again for all of your continued efforts to make Michigan a smokefree state. We certainly had an exciting couple of weeks. As you know, on December 5th, the House passed HB 4163, which would make Michigan workplaces smokefree, including bars and restaurants, and the bill was sent to the Senate. On Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop referred our bill to the Senate Government Operations Committee, which he chairs.
While this may not have been our first choice of committees, it could have been worse. I know that there has been quite a bit of media attention regarding this referral and most of the press has claimed that our bill is now dead.
My advice to all of you is to be in caution of what you read! The American Lung Association does not believe our bill is dead, nor does the Campaign for Smokefree Air.
There is still a fight worth fighting.
I ask all of you to continue to call and email Senate Majority Leader Bishop and urge him to hold a hearing and vote on HB 4163 (emails below). In addition, please contact every member of this committee to make the same request.
Do not be afraid to share your personal story why you support this bill.
All of the contact information for the Senate Government Operations Committee members is below:
Thank you in advance for your help and have a wonderful holiday.
Sincerely:
Susan Schechter, J.D.
Director of Advocacy
American Lung Association of Michigan
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Updated 12/31/07