Statewide Smoking Ban In Our Future?

Missouri State Sen. Joan Bray, a Democrat who represents St. Louis County, has filed a bill to enact a STATEWIDE smoking ban in public places or public meetings.

"The bill (SB309) modifies the provisions of the Missouri Indoor Clean Air Act to prohibit smoking in a public place or a public meeting or within fifteen feet of any entrance to a public place or public meeting. The definition of public place has been amended to include any building or vehicle owned, leased or operated by a governmental entity as well as bars and restaurants. The provision allowing for a designated smoking area in public places has been repealed.

This act also specifies that a person commits the crime of littering if he or she throws on the ground any cigarettes, cigarette packages, or other smoking-related items. The crime of littering is a Class A misdemeanor."

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I found that the bill has been sent to the Missouri State Senate
Health, Mental Health, Seniors and Families Committee, which includes the following representatives:
# Norma Champion, 30th, Chair
# Eric Schmitt, 15th, Vice-Chairman
# Jane Cunningham, 7th
# Tom Dempsey, 23rd
# Bill Stouffer, 21st
# Jolie Justus, 10th
# Jeff Smith, 4th
# Yvonne Wilson, 9th

I contacted each committee member and even Sen. Bray herself expressing my support for this bill. I have received only one personalized response, which was from Ms. Justus. Ms. Justus advised me that the bill was second read and was sent to the committee noted above, which has taken no further action.

These idiots arbitrarily decided that the people of MO are not deserving of a clean breathing environment. These representatives refuse to at least take the vote of a state-wide smoking ban to the voters.

I discovered that the tobacco tax in MO is one of the lowest in the nation. I believe that if our reps are not going to enact a smoking ban, they should double the tobacco tax. In light of the recent local discussion regarding money for education, this would be an ideal way to procure additional funding for our youth. In addition to educating the public about the harmful effects of smoking, in the long run, our state healthcare system would not be so impacted with smokers health problems.

A recent study indicated that 1/2 of smokers in St Joseph alone WANT to quit, but feel the cannot. This bill would be a step forward for these folks by eliminating other smokers in their midst, thus temptation.

I have written to each of the representatives listed above telling them how outraged I am that they have chosen to do nothing with this bill. If you feel the same way, let them know YOUR opinion also.