no smoking

The State legislature passed a statewide smoking ban yesterday.
There has been a move to get one locally. The person behind that is Jerry Campbell.
Here is his response to the state's action.

By Jerry Campbell
The passage of HB2221 by the Kansas Legislature is a tremendous victory for the majority of Kansas citizens who don't smoke, nor do they want to be exposed to the toxicity of second hand smoke and third hand smoke residue as recent studies have discovered. This is truly democracy in action when people have a cause that is overwhelmingly supported by medical evidence, scientific research, commitment to healthier lifestyles, and ongoing successful litigation against the tobacco industry, can use the legislative process to protect the right to breathe clean air. As I have stated previously, we as concerned citizens don't tolerate contaminated food, we demand to have clean water, so it is a no-brainer that we also want clean air to breathe, particularly for our children and grandchildren.
I am grateful to announce that Ed Trimmer and Vince Wetta both supported the Clean Air Act with their votes today. I am dismayed however, that Kasha Kelley voted against this public health issue. I am also concerned that Sen. Steve Abrams voted against the measure in the Senate last legislative session. Apparently they haven't gotten the message from their constituents, that the desire for clean air trumps the smoker's (only 18% of the population) privilege to pollute our air. During the analysis of the voting today, approximately 53 of the 54 votes against the measure were Republican, so maybe they had to support the party line. However 24 of the 68 votes for the measure were Republican and 44 Democrats supported it. One of our goals is to start reducing the health care expense on the Kansas taxpayers, and reducing the tobacco consumption and exposure is a good start to achieving that, but that message hasn't been received by all those that claim to represent us in Topeka.
The Clean Air Act passed today is a long way from being perfect; there are exemptions that I personally don't agree with, but it represents a compromise to get something meaningful done, after many years of wrestling with the issue. It was the only logical choice considering the fraudulent HB2642 that was proposed by the tobacco supporters. Isn't is sad that they will compromise public health in favor selling out smoking space and wanted to repeal all the previous Clean Air legislation. We will continue in our efforts to strengthen policies that promote healthy lifestyles. Continuing education on the dangers of tobacco products, particularly with our youth is an ongoing project. Clean Air Cowley County Coalition will be launching a "Smoke is Poisonous" media campaign in April with a prescence at the Health Fair, the Why the Fog event at Cowley College and radio spots.
In closing some of the Clean Air opponents suggest that until tobacco is outlawed, they should have the right to smoke wherever. So, personally I will continue to advocate at the Federal level that tobacco should be abolished. If the Department of Justice prevails in the case that is now at the Supreme Court, after 11 years of litigation, and big tobacco has to cough up $300 billion, it could be the beginning of the end for an industry that has brought so much pain and suffering, not only to the United States, but throughout the world. It's about time.