Minnesota Introduces Smokefree Workplace Legislation

St. Paul, Minn., 2/19/04 — Minnesota became the latest state to introduce smokefree workplace legislation today, joining Rhode Island, Arizona, Maryland, Georgia, Idaho, and Washington with legislation introduced this year.  California, Delaware, New York, Connecticut, Maine, and Massachusetts have already passed smokefree workplace legislation.

Minnesota Rep. Ron Latz, made his point by holding up a bag containing a smoke-blackened human lung.

"Individuals who choose to light up their cigarettes choose to do so at their risk, but they have no right to place my health at risk. They can choose to smoke but they shouldn't force me to smoke along with them or my children to smoke along with them," Latz said.

Latz says his bill would eliminate smoking in all public buildings. It would also eliminate smoking in taxicabs, daycare centers and other places.

Burnsville High School student Taylor Orr says she'd like to see smokefree restaurants. Orr says she has asthma, and has been forced to leave several establishments, including her high school hockey banquet, because the room was filled with smoke.

"When we were getting together and having a good time on how the season went and everything, I had to leave early because it was so smoky and I couldn't stay there anymore. It sucks when you have to do that," Orr said.

A spokesman for Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty says the governor is undecided on the issue, but is concerned about secondhand smoke in public places.

Republican House Speaker Steve Sviggum says it's unlikely that the Republican-controlled House will spend much time debating the measure.  Sviggum says he doesn't want to place any additional regulations on Minnesota businesses. He says patrons who don't like smoke can choose not to go.  Like all good tobacco representatives, Sviggum ignores the workers.

"Those still are private pieces of property. The government doesn't own that bars or restaurants, at least I don't think we do. And in a free society, maybe this is a touch too philosophical, but in a free society, people still have and deserve and need the right to make decisions," Sviggum said.

Of course, Minnesota (like every other state) places hundreds of requirements on businesses to protect workers and patrons.  For example, Minnesota (like every other state) doesn't allow asbestos or radon in the air.  Minnesota (like every other state) requires meat to be cooked at certain temperatures to prevent e-coli and dairy products to be refrigerated.  Businesses can't have rodents in the kitchen or place tables and chairs in front of fire exits.

Only when the tobacco industry is involved does government claim it can't protect workers and patrons.

(excerpts from smokefree.net)