Smoke Free Reaction: Smoke Free Indy, Councilors Barth & Hunter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Contact: Lindsay Grace317.496.1494Lindsay.grace@lungin.org

Reaction to Mayor Ballard Signing Proposal 136

Smoke Free IndyAttribute to Lindsay Grace, Chair

“Today is an exciting day for Indianapolis and for all of those who have supported Smoke Free Indy over the years.

“The signing of Proposal 136 into law is the culmination of more than a decade of work. As a coalition of health organizations and health supporters, we have worked with dozens of city-council councilors and several mayors to get to this point.

“Seven years ago, the workers and citizens of Marion County scored their first victory when smoking was taken out of our restaurants. Since then, public perception and public expectations about smoke free workplaces has continued to grow. In fact, as of last fall, approximately 70 percent of Marion County voters wanted a more comprehensive smoke free law that would include bars and taverns.

“Today, workers in our bars and taverns, bowling alleys, hotels and motels can celebrate. They no longer have to go to work in smoke-filled environments.

“For that, we specifically thank the current members of the city-county council who put forth a bi-partisan effort to get this done. We also thank Mayor Ballard for putting his signature on this ordinance and affirming his commitment to public health.

“Over the next few weeks, Smoke Free Indy will be working with the Marion County Public Health Department to help educate business owners, workers and patrons about the impact of this law. We are looking forward to a smooth transition to smoke free air.”

Councilor John Barth

“I’m very pleased that Mayor Ballard signed Proposal 136 so quickly after it’s passing by the City/County Council. Indianapolis residents from across the city have told me they want to work and relax in smoke free establishments. Residents along with the public health community and groups like Smoke Free Indy have partnered with elected officials to take action to provide a safer environment to do so. I’m proud of the council for passing an ordinance that will improve the quality of life for our citizens.”

Councilor Benjamin Hunter

“Indianapolis is a world class city. We’ve proved that time and time again on many different stages. Today we’ve done something that demonstrates that we think those who work and live in Indianapolis are world class citizens. Today we’ve put their health and their quality of life as a top priority. There is no doubt in my mind that Indianapolis will be better off due to our efforts. I applaud my fellow councilors and the mayor for doing what is right.”

### Smoke Free Indy is a coalition of state and local public health organizations, community-based organizations, physicians, businesses, schools, the faith community, and Marion County residents dedicated to reducing secondhand smoke, tobacco usage and tobacco initiation through education, prevention and advocacy. For more information visit: www.smokefreeindy.com.

We Support New Proposal to Expand Smokefree Air in Workplaces

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Contact:
Lindsay Grace
317.496.1494
Lindsay.grace@lungin.org


Smokefree Indy Supports New Proposal to Expand Smokefree Air in Workplaces

Smokefree Indy supports a new smokefree air proposal, which would expand the number of smokefree workplaces in Marion County.

The proposal, which is expected to be introduced at Monday’s Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council meeting, eliminates exemptions for bars, taverns, hotels, motels and bowling alleys among others.

“We commend Councilors Angela Mansfield and John Barth for continuing the bi-partisan fight for smokefree air in Marion County,” said Lindsay Grace, chair of Smokefree Indy. “The health of our workforce is paramount to the vibrancy of our community. Eliminating health risks such as secondhand smoke from workplaces such as bars, taverns and bowling alleys will improve the lives of thousands of workers.

“This proposal includes language that has passed the council previously, but also incorporates language that we feel should garner the support of Mayor Ballard. We encourage all of our local politicians to pass this proposal.”


Marion County has had an exemption-filled smokefree law since 2006. The recent passage of a statewide smokefree law had a minimal effect on Marion County.

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Smoke Free Indy is a coalition of state and local public health organizations, community-based organizations, physicians, businesses, schools, the faith community, and Marion County residents dedicated to reducing secondhand smoke, tobacco usage and tobacco initiation through education, prevention and advocacy. For more information visit: www.smokefreeindy.com.

Our Response to Veto of Proposal 18

INDIANAPOLIS – Smoke Free Indy is strongly disappointed with Mayor Ballard's decision to veto Proposal 18. We stand with the 70 percent of Indianapolis residents who support this proposal and who were looking forward to enjoying a smoke-free Indianapolis. It is especially frustrating since Mayor Ballard indicated his support in November for this exact language regarding a private club exemption that he now claims is the basis of his veto.

This is not the first time Mayor Ballard has flip-flopped on this issue. In 2007, while running for Mayor of Indianapolis, he wrote to a constituent, "I can assure you that I am a supporter of the smokefree workplace. Secondhand smoke is a proven health hazard and I would support any legislation to limit the impact of secondhand smoke."

We encourage the City-County Council to keep working on behalf of the people of Indianapolis to pass the strongest law possible that protects employees and patrons in all workplaces, including restaurants and bars.

Action Alert - Tell Mayor Ballard to sign Proposal 18

City-County Council Passes Proposal 18!

Members of the City-County Council passed Proposal 18 during the full council meeting on Monday night by a vote of 19-9! Here is our response:

"Smoke Free Indy is pleased that Proposal 18 was adopted by the Indianapolis City Council. This moment is long overdue to the workers, citizens and visitors of Indianapolis. We would like to thank the council members, both past and present, who have worked diligently over the years to get us to this point. Proposal 18 isn’t perfect. We will continue to work toward the day when all workers and business customers are protected from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. However, it goes a long way in strengthening the current ordinance and offering protection to many more workers. We are joyful that the council did not weaken Proposal 18 by allowing an amendment that would allow children to be exposed to secondhand smoke in private clubs. We encourage Mayor Ballard to keep the promise he made in 2007, 2011 and most recently this past November; keep Indy moving forward and sign Proposal 18. History has been made in Indy tonight, while the whole world is watching."

It is now or never. Reach out to Mayor Ballard to let him know how you feel about Proposal 18.

Call (317.327.3601 or 317.327.4622) send a message on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MayorGregBallard, or tweet (@MayorBallard) to share your thoughts. We can't stress how important it is to reach out to him.

This is it, the final step to make Indy smoke-free. Please forward this message on to your friends, family, co-workers, everyone you know and ask them to do the same. We have only a short window of time, so we must act now!

Statement on Proposal 18 passing city council

Smoke Free Indy is pleased that Proposal 18 was adopted by the Indianapolis City Council. This moment is long overdue to the workers, citizens and visitors of Indianapolis. We would like to thank the council members, both past and present, who have worked diligently over the years to get us to this point. Proposal 18 isn’t perfect. We will continue to work toward the day when all workers and business customers are protected from the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. However, it goes a long way in strengthening the current ordinance and offering protection to many more workers. We are joyful that the council did not weaken Proposal 18 by allowing an amendment that would allow children to be exposed to secondhand smoke in private clubs. We encourage Mayor Ballard to keep the promise he made in 2007, 2011 and most recently this past November; keep Indy moving forward and sign Proposal 18. History has been made in Indy tonight, while the whole world is watching.