LANSING -- Public health officials and doctors on Tuesday implored the Legislature to ban smoking inside bars, restaurants and other workplaces before adjourning for the year, saying lives are at stake.
"We know what will happen if we do nothing," Michigan Department of Community Health Director Janet Olszewski told reporters. "More people will get sick. We will spend more dollars on health care. We will have lost productivity. And there will be unnecessary deaths."
Olszewski sent a letter urging passage of smoking-ban legislation to all 148 members of the Legislature. Organizations representing physicians, medical students and hospitals also wrote to lawmakers.
Dr. Dean Sienko, speaking on behalf of the Michigan State Medical Society and local health departments, said at a news conference that it's "inexcusable and unconscionable" to expose workers and patrons to secondhand smoke, a Class A carcinogen.
More than 30 states have passed smoking bans, but Michigan legislators are at odds over carving out exemptions for some businesses.
The Democratic-led House has passed legislation that would ban smoking at restaurants and bars but exempt Detroit casinos, smoke shops and others. The Republican-held Senate has voted to prohibit smoking at all workplaces with no exceptions.
Current law won't change unless both chambers agree on the same version of legislation, which has bounced back and forth between the House and Senate. Advocates fear lawmakers are content to let the issue die. Business interests that oppose the bills say government shouldn't interfere with the decision to allow or prohibit smoking.
December is the last chance to reach a deal or bills will have to be reintroduced next year.
Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop, R-Rochester, said last week that a smoking ban isn't a pressing matter in the lame-duck session, suggesting that if the Legislature doesn't act supporters could try to put the issue before voters through a ballot measure.
But health officials said Tuesday a ballot drive would cost a lot of money. Advocates expect the House to vote as early as Wednesday on a smoking ban with some exemptions, yet it's unknown if the Senate would go along.
House leaders mulled their options Tuesday, the first day the Legislature was back in session after a two-week break for hunting and Thanksgiving. Lawmakers could adjourn for the year next week or the week after.
Olszewski said she prefers a full smoking ban but is willing to accept exemptions for Detroit casinos, cigar bars and smoke shops so some sort of ban gets to Democratic Gov. Jennifer Granholm's desk. Detroit casinos compete with tribal-run casinos, which aren't subject to state law and could continue allowing gamblers to smoke.
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