By Jacqueline Pitts on February 11, 2015 • ( Leave a comment )

Kentuckians show support for a smoke-free Kentucky at state Capitol

During a rally in the Capitol Rotunda Wednesday, Dave Adkisson, president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber, spoke about the business community’s support of House Bill 145 – a comprehensive smoke-free law that will cover all indoor workplaces and public places in Kentucky.

Adkisson expressed the need for the law and the support of legislation from more than 90 percent of the Chamber’s membership.

“They are interested in the health of their employees but frankly, they pay a lot of the health insurance costs in this state and they pay their tax bills which pays for Medicare, Medicaid, public employee health benefits,” Adkisson said. “You look at the expense of smoking in this state … it’s not only killing us as a health matter … it’s bankrupting us as a financial matter. So we are proud to add our voice to the chorus.”

Hear remarks from Adkisson and others in the video below:

The bill, introduced by Representatives Susan Westrom of Lexington overwhelmingly passed the House Health and Welfare Committee last week. Event participants, representatives of the 300+ organizations and hundreds of individuals who are part of the Smoke-Free Kentucky Coalition, urged the General Assembly to pass HB 145 this session.

At the rally Wednesday, Westrom noted she has been on the journey to try and pass smoke-free legislation for five years and said she hopes it is an effort that will end this year with passage of the bill.

“But this journey will not be completed without the work you do. I cannot influence your legislator, but you can,” Westrom told the large crowd. “You have committed yourself to do that today by showing up, by trying to get to the offices, and the best thing you can do is just be persistent.”

Other speakers, including Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen and Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Stephanie Mayfield, also discussed the need for the legislation and urged lawmakers to pass the bill this year.

Please let your legislator know that you support smoke-free workplaces by calling 1-800-372-7181.