From an Michigan Department of Community Health press release –
MDCH Director Urges State Legislature to pass Smoke-Free Law
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is once again
strongly encouraging the Michigan State Legislature to pass a law
banning second hand smoking in public places including restaurants and
bars. While attempting to reach a compromise, the state Legislature
recently pondered the idea of allowing businesses to avoid the ban by
buying a special permit.“While compromise may be needed, the state Legislature must protect
its citizens from second hand smoke,” said MDCH Director Janet
Olszewski. “Michigan needs a strong, firm, concrete law that outright
bans smoking in public places. Allowing businesses to buy their way out
of the law would be unacceptable and unfair to Michigan residents.”Second hand smoke is the third leading preventable cause of death and
when smoking occurs in the workplace, employees find they are exposed to
cancer causing substances all day long. Research has shown that tobacco
smoke has more than 4,000 chemicals of which 60 are known carcinogens.
Contrary to popular belief, separating smokers from nonsmokers, cleaning
the air, and ventilating buildings cannot eliminate exposures to
secondhand smoke.MDCH understands the urgency of passing a smoke-free law during the
lame duck session, which officially ends Dec. 30. The department is
asking state legislators to put aside political gamesmanship and do what
is appropriate for Michigan residents.
Mid-Michigan Dining 
The MDCH’s last press event didn’t move lawmakers. It will be interesting to see if this press release works.
I would doubt it. The MDCH director isn’t a big campaign donor.
I don’t think she’s allowed to be, is she?
I did just get an e-mail that the HB 4163 conference committee meeting is back on for tomorrow. That may be a sign of a possible agreement (of course, whether it can pass either chamber is another question).
probably not. That was a little bit of sarcasm on my part. Those against a ban have deep pockets and contribute freely. Those in favor are non-profits or government agencies that can’t contribute…..
My personal feeling is that if they’re going to allow buyouts, they should just let the bill die. That’s not a solution or a compromise. Allowing buyouts preserves the status quo. The problem isn’t in an office building or hospital work setting. The problem is in the work settings that would be most likely to buy out. How is that a compromise? Let it die and let it go to referendum I guess.