HB 289 (Westrom), a statewide smoke-free bill that prohibits smoking in indoor public places, passed the House Health and Welfare Committee by a vote of 10-2 yesterday. Kentucky Chamber President & CEO Dave Adkisson testified in support of the bill, saying Chamber members overwhelmingly support a smoke-free law because they now see the effects of smoking on our workforce in terms of absenteeism and lost productivity, as well as on their insurance premiums and tax bills. With nearly a quarter of Kentuckians still smoking (the second highest rate in the country), the CDC has estimated smoking-related health expenditures cost Kentucky more than $1.7 billion annually, and the smoking-attributable economic productivity loss at more than $2.6 billion.
After the vote yesterday, House Speaker Greg Stumbo also expressed support for the bill, which now moves on to the full House. Click here to sign up yourself and your organization to support the cause, and urge your legislators (1-800-372-7181) to support a smoke-free Kentucky.
Filed under: Health & Wellness, Uncategorized
Kentucky Chamber Blog
This bill is not what Kentucky needs, telling people they can’t smoke is like telling people they have to smoke. We all have rights and if I choose to smoke, I should be allowed to smoke. If I choose not to smoke, then I’ll go where they don’t allow smoking. Jessamine County does not have anti smoking laws, and look at Brannon Crossing (a new shopping centre) there are how many new restaurants out there and how many allow smoking? NONE not one restaurant allows smoking. We don’t need government officials forcing pointless legislation down our throats. So please, urge your legislators to support a Kentucky that has individual rights, and business owners have choices and aren’t government run.
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