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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Chelsa Wagner |
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Rep. Wagner reacts to state smoking ban legislation
HARRISBURG, June 4 – State Rep. Chelsa Wagner, D-Allegheny, provided the following statement in reaction to House passage today of a House-Senate conference committee's statewide smoking ban proposal (S.B. 246). The House passed the bill by a 163-38 vote. Wagner voted for the bill.
"While I disagree with the exceptions for certain venues, I understand it was necessary to reaching a bill that would pass the legislature. However, it is unfortunate that we had to vote on a bill that does not allow any counties other than Philadelphia to have a stricter smoking ban.
"The former Allegheny County ban would have made smoking illegal in the planned Northside casino, but, unfortunately, this bill provides exceptions for casinos, which I find troubling given that the future Northside casino is in my legislative district. Accordingly, I will continue to pursue stronger legislation. In fact, I will introduce legislation immediately in hopes that we can continue to move forward on this issue.
"As for this bill, I urge the Senate, when it reconsiders this proposal next week, to approve it and send it to the governor for his signature. While it clearly is not perfect, it is progress toward a healthier Allegheny County, and I believe it is important that we recognize that, in spite of the bill's shortcomings."
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