FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Barb McIlvaine Smith D-Chester www.pahouse.com/BSmith

McIlvaine Smith: New statewide smoking ban breath of fresh air

WEST CHESTER, June 13 – State Rep. Barb McIlvaine Smith, D-Chester, joined fellow lawmakers in Ambler, Montgomery County, today as Gov. Ed Rendell signed the new statewide smoking ban law.

"I truly believe this is what the people and businesses of Chester County want: clean, healthy air," McIlvaine Smith said. "The Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry got on board with this effort early, and I heard from many constituents asking for a statewide smoking ban."

Under the new law (S.B. 246), which McIlvaine Smith supported, smoking will no longer be permitted in the vast majority of workplaces and public places in Pennsylvania. McIlvaine Smith said she sees the bill as a first step in efforts to protect workers, improve indoor air quality and improve public health.

"The bipartisan compromise bill has several exemptions that are of concern to me," she said. "For one, I am disappointed that local control has been preempted, which means municipalities won't be allowed to enact stronger ordinances banning smoking.

"But for now, this was the strongest bill we could get and still have it pass, and it will save many lives," she said. "I will continue working with my fellow legislators, both Democrats and Republicans, to strengthen this law even more."

Senate Bill 246 passed the House on June 4 by a vote of 163-38. The Senate passed the bill Tuesday, 41-9. The new law will take effect in 90 days.

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Attention Radio News Directors: an actuality from Rep. McIlvaine Smith reacting to the statewide smoking ban is available by calling 1-800-452-3001. Enter PA156 (7-2-1-5-6) and the pound sign (#) at the menu prompt to get today’s sound. You can also download the sound in .mp3 format by visiting www.pahouse.com/mediacenter.