The facts have been studied. The studies have been studied. The results are clear. There is no way to protect workers from secondhand smoke other than to create smoke-free work sites and doing so will not have a negative economic impact on bars and restaurants.
Public Sector Consultants recently completed a study of what is arguably one of the most-researched policy issues in the past 10 years -- smoke-free laws. We were hired to analyze the potential impact of House Bill 4163 as the legislation creates smoke-free work sites in Michigan, including bars and restaurants.
One of the most important things we tell our clients when they hire us is that we never go into an issue with a preconceived outcome in mind. We follow the facts, wherever they may lead.
Having fully analyzed and explored this issue, we arrived at a number of conclusions.
First, there is compelling scientific evidence to support eliminating exposure to secondhand smoke. Second, HB 4163 will have no net economic effect on the Michigan restaurant and bar industry. Third, public support, measured by opinion polls and adoption of smoke-free laws in other states, is increasing. And, finally, a smoke-free workplace law that includes restaurants and bars does not constitute unwarranted government regulation of business.
When I was Senate majority leader, I made the decision to hold this legislation in my committee rather than act upon it. I now wish I had available to me the type of study my colleagues and I at PSC have just conducted.
Then, I would have seen the evidence from dozens of studies all pointing to the same thing. I would have seen all the facts compiled in one place. I would have seen the negative effects of secondhand smoke addressed without a negative economic impact on job providers. I would have seen things differently.
Michigan Senators passed HB 4163 earlier this month, now it is up to the House of Representatives and Speaker Andy Dillon to make Michigan a safe place to work.
Dillon has supported smoke-free air in the past, and a quick concurrence vote to send the legislation to the governor is all this battle needs to take a giant step forward in the fight for smoke-free air.
We already recognize, as a state, that secondhand smoke is more than just a nuisance. We've been slowly addressing the need for smoke-free areas in work sites, including restaurants and bars, for three decades now.
The time has come for us to address this issue once and for all, and I've shared my feelings with legislative leadership. Smoke-free workplaces -- including bars and restaurants -- will create a healthier Michigan and will not hurt our economy.
About the author: Ken Sikkema is a senior policy fellow at the public relations firm Public Sector Consultants, which is working for the Campaign for Smokefree Air, a 260-member coalition of groups including the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, American Lung Association of Michigan, Michigan Hospital Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and other statewide groups that support smoke-free making workplaces. Sikkema, a Republican, served six terms in the state House and was later Senate Majority Leader from 2002--06.
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