Great American Smokeout

Today is the Great American Smokeout. Back in May, our state took a huge step in the direction of public health when our workplaces became smoke free.

Last week, the House Regulatory Reform Committee chose not to hear Representative Geiss' bill to weaken the smokefree air law. This is directly in response to all the messages our advocates sent in a mere 24 hours demanding the law remain unchanged. Thank you to everyone that made calls and helped in this effort.

Now that we know some lawmakers are willing to weaken the smokefree air law, please help us by writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper in support of the smokefree law.

Over the last six months, Michigan workers and patrons have enjoyed going to work without worrying about breathing secondhand smoke. Unfortunately, over that time a small number of people have been fighting to have our elected officials change this great public health law. The media and some legislators are listening to these people and our voice is not being heard.

We've fought too hard for too long for smokefree air. Don't let a few people in our state sabotage our progress. We cannot become complacent nd think our work is done.

Today, in honor of the Great American Smokeout, we are asking you to submit a Letter to the Editor to your local newspaper.

Legislators and our newly elected officials keep close tabs on what is being discussed in their district, so if you have a personal story or just feel trongly about Michigan's smokefree air law, a Letter to the Editor is a great way to express yourself!

Please email matt.phelan@cancer.org if you are interested in submitting a letter and we'll help you get started.

We waited a long time for this healthy change. Now, it's hard to believe we ever allowed smoking in our work places.

It's been a great first six months of the smokefree law.