PITTSBURGH, September 5, 2008 - Pennsylvanians will breathe a little easier as the state’s new smoking ban goes into effect next Thursday.  Under the Clean Indoor Air Act, smoking will be banned in nearly all public places, including restaurants, workplaces and a portion of casino floors.

I commend my legislative colleagues and Governor Rendell for prioritizing public health above partisanship and for responding positively to the majority of citizens who demanded action. This law is a good first step in protecting citizens and workers from the harmful effects of second- hand smoke, which can cause developmental problems in children, heart disease in adults and many forms of cancer.

While I voted for this new law because the severe damage caused by secondhand smoke demands immediate action to protect our public health, I believe that we need legislation that goes further.  I have been a strong advocate for a comprehensive, uniform, statewide smoking ban in all workplaces. Unfortunately, as the lawmaking process inched forward and the proceedings drew longer, it became clear that there were not enough votes to enact a comprehensive indoor smoking ban.  Like many laws, the language in this statute was molded through compromise.

Without reaching a compromise, there would have been no ban.

Without a ban, we would have forfeited our gains protecting public health.

Forfeiting a chance to protect public health would have been inexcusable.

While many lawmakers shared my interest in banning smoking in all indoor public places, there were many other legislators who insisted on the exemptions for social clubs, restaurants and casinos. Still others fought against any ban at all. It was important for us to find a middle ground despite my reservations and objections to voting for a weaker ban. 

As part of the new law, Philadelphia alone was permitted to keep its stricter ban while Allegheny County was not provided that opportunity. Allegheny County’s ordinance was stronger, uniform and comprehensive.  Therefore, I will continue the fight to permit it and other municipalities to enact stricter bans as they see fit to protect their citizens. 

Because opponents refused to permit any local ordinance to supersede state law, my Senate Democratic colleagues and I forced the issue by voting no on the conference committee bill when it was first put to a vote.  We refused to support the bill until we received assurances from the Governor and Majority Republican Leaders that they would not stymie future efforts to seek a full Senate vote on reinstating the Allegheny County smoking ordinance.

Please be assured that I have not given up on this effort to entirely rid Pennsylvanians’ workplaces of cigarette smoke.  I am optimistic that a comprehensive, uniform, statewide ban is possible but it will, once again, need to have the vocal majority speak up and demand action and accountability.

Despite the shortcomings of the legislation, the fact remains over 90 percent of all workplaces will be smoke free.  I embrace this step forward and trust that we will see commensurate gains in public health.  While I look forward to more progress, I am proud that we have taken a significant step in cleaning our air. Beginning this Thursday, we can all breathe a little easier. 

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