Democratic Radio - "Smoke-free workplace law anniversary" Print
News - Media for State & Local
Written by Wisconsin Senate Democrats   
Thursday, 19 May 2016 12:01

janet-bewleyMADISON – Today, Senator Janet Bewley offered the following Democratic Weekly Radio address regarding the anniversary of the smoke-free workplace law.

"The popularity of Wisconsin's smoke-free workplace law grew quickly to equal the public health need it met.  Pledges to try and repeal the law were unsuccessful and the promise of healthy public spaces is safely in place for our families and our future." - Sen. Janet Bewley

The audio file of this week’s address can be found here:
http://media2.legis.wisconsin.gov/multimedia/Sen24/bewleyradio5.19.16.mp3

A written transcript of the address is below:

"Hi, this is State Senator Janet Bewley. Seven years ago this week Wisconsinites secured the right to safer and healthier workplaces.   May Eighteenth, 2009 brought a literal breath of fresh air to Wisconsin shops, clubs and public venues and freedom from second-hand smoke for workers and customers.

The popularity of Wisconsin's smoke-free workplace law grew quickly to equal the public health need it met.  Pledges to try and repeal the law were unsuccessful and the promise of healthy public spaces is safely in place for our families and our future.

Too many Wisconsinites suffer from -- and nearly each and every one of us knows all too well -- the ravages of smoking and second-hand smoke on our friends, loved ones, co-workers and neighbors.  The change signed into law seven years ago gave us the right to control our families’ exposure to dangerous smoke at our jobs, meeting friends to eat or socialize, shopping or taking in the game.

As we approach the summer season, let’s take a moment to enjoy the breath of fresh air from this hard-won advance for public health and the personal freedom to live, work and play in Wisconsin smoke-free.”