FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Mike Gerber D-Montgomery www.pahouse.com/Gerber

Gerber calls smoking ban compromise first step toward saving lives

Lawmaker intends to continue efforts for a stronger smoking ban

HARRISBURG, June 4 – Rep. Mike Gerber, D-Montgomery, provided the following statement in reaction to the statewide smoking ban proposal (S.B. 246) reported out of a conference committee comprised of six House and Senate members on Tuesday. Today, the full House passed the bill 163-38, while the Senate is expected to reconsider the proposal next week.

"With this bill, even though it is not as restrictive as I would like, we have taken a huge step forward and will ensure clean and healthy air for millions of Pennsylvanians," Gerber said. 

"There will no longer be any smoking permitted at the vast majority of workplaces, including restaurants, most bars and all nightclubs, and lives will be saved because of it. I do not, however, consider this the conclusion of the process. I consider it the beginning. I am sure Senator Greenleaf and I will continue working together to make it stronger and more effective in the coming years."

House Speaker Dennis O'Brien, R-Phila., applauded Gerber's leadership on the smoking ban conference committee.

"Mike Gerber was the driving force who pushed this measure to protect the health of millions of Pennsylvanians," the speaker said. "His work on the conference committee was pivotal in achieving the agreement. This was a difficult task, but Mike Gerber excelled at the challenge. He has my personal thanks and admiration."

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