Legislature should be saluted for passing workplace smoking ban
We, as the leaders of Michigan’s major providers of health care, want to congratulate the Legislature for doing the right thing - passing a law to make workplaces smoke-free. It was imperative to get a bill passed in 2009 and we appreciate that the Legislature understood that. It will be indisputably positive for Michigan’s health. As health care professionals, we see first hand the damage smoking causes to our society. It is impossible to overstate the consequences of smoking when compared to a lifestyle of non-smoking.
Once this new law takes effect, it will be important to ensure that Michigan smokers get the help they need in order to quit. Nicotine, for most smokers, is a powerful addiction. In order for smokers to successfully quit, they will need access to smoking cessation tools of all varieties. Our groups remain committed to that goal as well.
The economy represents another reason why this Legislation is well timed. In 2007, for example, tobacco related illnesses cost Michigan’s Medicaid program more than $1 billion which was an increase from $881 million in 2004. Passing this law now helps keep these health care costs from growing even more as legislators continue to address our state’s ongoing economic troubles. To the members of the state House of Representatives and the state Senate we say, thank you for passing a law that Michigan wanted and needed. You delivered for your constituents. Richard E. Smith, M.D., president Michigan State Medical Society Donna R. Moyer, D.O., president Michigan Osteopathic Association David T. Walsworth, M.D., president Michigan Academy of Family Physicians Steven Dupuis, D.O., president Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians
Comments
Raspel
Mon, Dec 28, 2009 : 11:05 p.m.
No matter how you slice it, dice it, or what you're smoking, there is no inherent right for anyone in the public sphere--restaurants and other workplaces are public, no matter what you say to the contrary, and real people work and mingle there--to pollute the air of everyone/anyone else whether a smoker or non-smoker. A smoker's right to do so ends where my nostrils can inhale even the slightest of this nicotine smoke. and even all the clean indoor acts do not put a stop to the tobacco laden gauntlets outside the front entrances of where the bans will take place. Why should such a small minority impose its so-called "right" involuntarily on the vast majority of us who choose not to smoke voluntarily?
John Galt
Mon, Dec 28, 2009 : 2:54 a.m.
Will the health care providers be giving the Michigan Residents a break on the insurance premiums now? I thought not. But, not to worry. Soon we will pass laws to get rid of the private healthcare providers and make a government-run health system.