Augusta, June 3,2003… Main’s House of Representatives voted 95-47 to join California, Delaware, New York, and Connecticut in passing smoke free workplace legislation for ALL workers. The bill now goes to the full Senate where it’s expected to pass. Earlier this month the Legislative Health and Human Services Committee voted 12-1 in favour of the legislation.

Gov. John Baldacci, director of communications, has also indicated support for the measure. Having already passed smoke free restaurant legislation four years ago, Maine has seen the benefit of smoke free laws. Consequently, opposition to this years smoke free bar proposal has been minimal.

“We’re tired of working in an environment that is not safe or healthy,” said Rep. Leila Percy, a Phippsburg Democrat who works as a singer and bandleader in the haze of clubs that serve alcohol.Rep. Roger Landry said that after his decade-long battle against cancer, he puts health concerns over personal freedoms cited by the bill’s opponents.

To become the 5th smoke free state, Maine will have to compete with Massachusetts and Rhode Island which are also in final stages of smoke free workplace legislation for ALL workers (including restaurant and bar workers).

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead
Source: www.smokefree.org