Mid-Michigan Dining

Well, it’s Tuesday and the House is back in session.  HB 4163 is on the calendar, but as a commentor pointed out over the weekend, it’s not likely to be called.  The sticking point?  Casinos.  The Senate version did not make an exception for casinos.  The House version did.  The House now has to pass the Senate’s version and from all accounts I’ve seen, that’s not probable right now.  The legislators are worried that Indian casinos woudn’t enforce the ban and being soverign grounds, Michigan laws do not affect them.  Everyone’s worried about the Detroit casinos.  It’s definately an economic concern, but, in my opinion, not enough of one to delay a smoking ban. 

The thing I keep reading over and over and even in the comment section of this blog is how can you ban something that is legal.  You ever hear of dry counties or adult use bans?  The Detroit Free Press had an editorial this morning that compares the smoking ban to another law that was passed in the interest of public safety.

This would hardly be the first government action taken in the name of public health and safety. Did you buckle up today?

And for those who say that bar, restaurant or casino employees who worry about secondhand smoke ought to find another job, well, such folks probably haven’t been looking for work lately in Michigan’s current economy.

Both great points.  I know how hard it is to find a job right now.  I’ve been told by more than one potential employer that they would like to hire me, but don’t have the money to do so.  I’m lucky I’ve got a side job that pays better than my full time job used to.

The Traverse City Record-Eagle points out, this whole debate lies in the hands of Detroit.

Detroit and Detroit-area Democrats are not about to support a ban that doesn’t take care of the casinos, bingo halls and others; without their support a ban goes nowhere. For solid strategic reasons Senate Republicans aren’t going to exempt anybody.

That means a stalemate as well as a great talking point for the Republicans. If you want to ban smoking from bars, restaurants and all other businesses to protect workers from second-hand smoke — the major anti-smoking argument — then you ban it for all workers, including those unlucky enough to work in a Detroit casino.

I know I keep mentioning this, but I have plenty of experience with this exact same scenario in my old homestate.  I always wanted to run for Governor just to start a succession from the City of Chicago.  It sucks that one corner of the state has all the power to set the agenda for the rest of the state.  This whole thing is being held up by one part of the state. 

I’ll keep following the debate, but it’s looking less and less likely that we’re going to see something quickly.  The Senate passed it back to the House so the House looks like the bad guys.  It must be an election year or something…..