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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Mike Storm |
State Rep. Mike Gerber |
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Gerber smoke-free bill advances to full House
HARRISBURG, June 21 – The proposed Smoke-Free Pennsylvania Act, sponsored by state Rep. Michael Gerber, D-Montgomery, was overwhelmingly approved today by the House Health and Human Services Committee with strong bipartisan support and only one negative vote. All amendments were withdrawn. Now the bill heads to the full House for consideration.
Gerber’s legislation would provide a smoke-free environment in all public places across Pennsylvania, protecting people from the hazardous effects of secondhand smoke and potentially reducing smokers’ intake.
“There are no more excuses for the legislature to continue sidestepping what was once a controversial issue. There is strong bipartisan support for immediate action because my colleagues realize this is no longer a mere nuisance issue. We now have undeniable evidence that secondhand smoke is a proven, serious health risk,” Gerber said.
“According to the U.S. surgeon general, secondhand smoke contains more than 50 cancer-causing chemicals, and it actually contains higher concentrations of many of the toxins found in the smoke that cigarette users inhale because it is generated at lower temperatures and under different conditions,” Gerber noted. “In addition, nonsmokers don’t have even the limited protection offered by cigarette filters.”
“The end result is staggering. The U.S. surgeon general reports that secondhand smoke exposure can lead to cancer, heart disease and increased risks of asthma and sudden infant death syndrome in children. Even more frightening, women exposed to secondhand smoke have a 2.6 times greater risk of falling victim to breast cancer and 3,400 passive smokers die from lung cancer each year.”
Gerber’s statewide ban would not only protect more Pennsylvanians from the harmful effects of smoking and secondhand smoke, but would also save millions of dollars in health-care costs and may improve the state’s business climate.
“Studies consistently show that employers spend an average of $3,500 more per year in health-care costs on smokers than non-smokers. This legislation will not only help save lives but will also reduce health-care costs for all of us.
“What’s more, there are over 90 independent studies which confirm that smoking bans do not hurt the economic fortunes of bars, restaurants and taverns. In fact, business has actually improved in several cities and states,” Gerber said.
Gerber also noted that all of the states surrounding Pennsylvania with the exception of one, West Virginia, have smoking bans.
“I’m proud of the bipartisan support shown for my bill in today’s committee hearing. Clearly, legislators from both parties believe it is time to protect people from secondhand smoke. I look forward to championing this cause in the full House next week,” Gerber said.
Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty and Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato are two of the many leaders across Pennsylvania supporting a statewide smoke-free law. Gov. Rendell and State Sen. Stuart Greenleaf are supporting a statewide smoking ban, as well.
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