Sen. Cassis joins colleagues to make Michigan smoke free
May 5, 2008

Lansing - State Senator Nancy Cassis (R-Novi) offered the following statement today after joining her Senate colleagues in approving a bill to make Michigan a more smoke-free state:

We have passed legislation with an enormous impact on our residents today and our children and grandchildren tomorrow.

While I respect that some would advocate for the protection of a minority-smokers over the well-being and health of the majority, it's important to recognize the statistics and anecdotal feedback from restaurants around the state. Evidence reveals that while initially there may be a short downturn due to smokers who don't patronize their favorite establishment, it is only temporary; these folks do come back.

And importantly and ironically tobacco has become a 'tax aphrodisiac' in our state to continue spending - not strictly for smoking-cessation efforts.

The question of the role of government has been raised. Since I first took the oath of office as a Novi city councilmember promising to uphold the health, safety and general welfare of our residents, and through my career today in the Senate, I have supported wearing helmets for motorcyclists, wearing seatbelts, and ensuring children are in safety car seats and booster seats.

I doubt today will be the last attempt to uphold the health, safety and general welfare of our citizens.

House Bill 4163 now heads back to the House of Representatives for concurrence.