Letter to the Editor

Now is time for lawmakers to act

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

To the Editor:

It's time our lawmakers act to protect their constituents and pass smoke-free legislation for all workplaces including bars, restaurants, and casinos.

By now, the health hazards of secondhand smoke are indisputable. So the question remains, when are our elected officials going to protect all workers from this hazard?

Secondhand smoke is not a partisan issue, but a matter of public health. As such, our Indiana legislators have a special and urgent responsibility to act!

There's also substantial evidence that shows a smoke-free law would help Indiana businesses. Businesses spend billions each year in direct costs associated with smoking from higher business expenses to lower work productivity.

It's time our lawmakers protect Indiana workers' health. Economically or medically, smoke-free air laws just make sense.

Indiana needs to become a leader with smoke-free air, not a follower. Let's really take a stance on health in our state and give our citizens the gift of clean air.

The positive results will be indisputable over time for both our residents and our business owners.

Meredith Williams

Plainfield