In the News
E-cigarettes Draw Fire from Legislators
The Wall Street Journal
March 12, 2012
A growing number of states are taking aim at electronic cigarettes in the absence of federal regulations, intensifying a public-health debate over the fast-growing alternative to traditional cigarettes.
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EDITORIAL: Hoosier Smoking Ban
The Courier-Journal
March 9, 2012
As smoking bans go, the one passed Friday by the Indiana legislature isn't as strong as many other states' measures.
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GOP Boycott Delays Vote on Kentucky Smoking Ban Bill
The Courier-Journal
March 8, 2012
A Republican boycott of the Democratic-controlled House Health and Welfare Committee stopped a bill that would impose a statewide smoking ban from getting a vote Thursday.
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Drug Testing Flap Holds Up Vote on Smoking Ban
WHAS-11
March 8, 2012
A flap over a proposal to do random drug testing on welfare recipients has delayed a vote on legislation that would impose a statewide smoking ban in public places.
Statewide Smoking Ban Proposal Not Brought Up in Committee
WYMT-TV
March 8, 2012
A statewide smoking ban was scheduled to be heard in a Frankfort committee Thursday...but it didn't happen.
Health Executives Urge Support for State-wide Smoking Ban
The Courier-Journal
March 6, 2012
We write in support of the proposal to ban smoking in all indoor workplaces statewide.
Corbin smoking ban now law
Times-TribuneJanuary 4, 2012
While most of Corbin slept on New Year's Day, the city's smoking ban ordinance officially became law.
Officially, there have been no problems with anyone breaking the ordinance, which was unanimously passed by Corbin City Commission last November, and went into effect at midnight, Jan. 1.
"We've had no problems and we haven't had a single call since it went into effect," said Rob Jones, the public affairs officer for the Corbin Police Department.
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Hookah's Hidden Risks
Courier Journal
January 1, 2012
At first, Jewish Hospital doctors were flummoxed by the case of a young male patient brought to them after passing out last fall. His symptoms indicated carbon-monoxide poisoning, but the doctors couldn't determine the source.
After more research, however, the doctors blamed an unexpected source, said Henry Spiller, director of the Kentucky Regional Poison Center: A hookah.
Our Opinion: Ky. should join other states with smoke ban
Kentucky New Era-Hopkinsville
December 29, 2011
Kentucky lawmakers will have an opportunity in the upcoming session of the General Assembly to enact a statewide ban on public smoking. They should not squander the opportunity or delay action on a law that could protect everyone against the health risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke.
One of the groups supporting a statewide smoking ban released a fact sheet this week and called it good news that 32 local governments in Kentucky have passed laws that offer some protection from secondhand smoke in public places. But the bad news is that more than half of Kentuckians still live in places that are not protected from secondhand smoke in offices, stores, restaurants and bars.
Kentucky: Go Smoke-free
Courier Journal
December 25, 2011
Despite Kentucky's low ranking in many health areas, we are making progress when it comes to protecting residents from exposure to carcinogens in tobacco smoke. According to the most recent Health Issues Poll commissioned by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky and the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati, 54 percent of those polled favor a state law in Kentucky that would prohibit smoking in most public places, including workplaces, public buildings, offices, restaurants and bars.
Advocates renew push for statewide smoke ban
Floyd County Times
December 23, 2011
Health advocates in Kentucky believe a statewide smoking ban is part of the answer to improving the state's national rankings in helping smokers kick the habit. The American Lung Association (ALA) says in a new report that Kentucky lags behind a number of other states in providing smoking cessation and treatment programs.
Betsy Berns Janes, director of advocacy for the ALA of Kentucky, thinks education efforts and constituent feedback to lawmakers about the benefits of a statewide smoke-free law for indoor public places are making headway.
OpEd | Smoke Free Kentucky Act Would Bring a Healthier Bottom Line for Kentucky Businesses
Business Lexington
December 22, 2011
On January 3, 2012, the General Assembly will gather in Frankfort to convene the annual session. The business community and industry alike stay alert, watching to see what the General Assembly will do to them, as well as what it will do for them, as evidenced by the many lobbyists swarming the halls of the Capitol.
The General Assembly will tackle challenging issues including redistricting, Medicaid Managed Care, a deficit budget. Those of us in Frankfort, who personally know how to live within a budget, will be searching for ways to streamline, trim, and spend more wisely, just as Kentucky businesses do as they figure out how to keep their doors open.
Legislator's Log by Rep. Brent Yonts - Week of Dec. 25, 2011
Surf KY News
December 21, 2011
Those who follow the Kentucky General Assembly each session know the issue of casino gaming is not new to our state. Lawmakers have spent over a decade considering bills to allow casino gaming in the commonwealth, either by a constitutional amendment approved by a majority of Kentucky voters, or by a vote of the General Assembly. Neither path has been successful—yet.
With billions of dollars in state services cut since 2007 in Kentucky because of the recession and more cuts—perhaps totaling as much as $300 million or more—expected by some lawmakers over the next two years, proponents of casino gaming believe more Kentuckians may favor casino gaming in Kentucky than ever before. One of these optimists, naturally, is longtime casino gaming supporter Gov. Steve Beshear.
Report: Kentucky's Slow Drag on Kicking the Habit
Kentucky Voices for Health
December 19, 2011
Health advocates in Kentucky believe a statewide smoking ban is part of the answer to improving the state's national rankings in helping smokers kick the habit. The American Lung Association (ALA) says in a new report that Kentucky lags behind a number of other states in providing smoking cessation and treatment programs.
Betsy Berns Janes, director of advocacy for the ALA of Kentucky, thinks education efforts and constituent feedback to lawmakers about the benefits of a statewide smoke-free law for indoor public places are making headway.
Most Kentuckians Now Favor Statewide Smoking Ban, Poll Finds
Kentucky Health News
December 14, 2011
Just over half of Kentuckians support a statewide law that would ban smoking in most public places, including restaurants and bars, the Kentucky Health Issues Poll has found.
Just under 53 percent said they were in favor of such a law, and another 1 percent said they lean toward favoring it. Only 40.5 percent opposed the idea, with 2 percent leaning against it. Four percent had no opinion.
Smoke-Free Kentucky comes to Carter County
Grayson County Journal
December 7, 2011
Tobacco smoke causes death, whether a person smokes or not, that is the message Smoke-Free Kentucky is trying to emphasize.
Smoke-Free Kentucky is a grassroots movement started by a coalition of local, state and national health advocates in support of making all Kentucky workplaces, including bars and restaurants, smoke free.
According to the group, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, one of Smoke-Free Kentucky's supporters, 7,800 adults die in Kentucky each year from smoking and 860 adults die each year in Kentucky from exposure to secondhand smoke.
Tobacco Research Funding in a Smoke Free Environment
WEKU 88.9, NPR
December 6, 2011
A veteran state lawmaker from a tobacco rich region is noticing more and more interest in making Kentucky communities smoke free. Senator Joey Pendleton has represented a heavy tobacco growing area in western Kentucky for years. He's gone to bat for farmers as they see dwindling income due to dropping cigarette sales. Still, Pendleton sees a statewide anti-smoking trend.
"You know what, according to the e-mails that I've gotten...even in my district and I'm in a strong tobacco district… it is overwhelming for smoke free," said Pendleton.
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Our Opinion: EDC vote to support smoke ban right move
KY New Era
December 5, 2011
The Hopkinsville-Christian County Economic Development Council made a thoughtful, progressive decision when it passed a resolution Wednesday in favor of a public smoking ban in the city.
As it should, the EDC considered the economic impact of smoking and argued that other communities have seen "no negative impact" from a smoking ban. A smoking ban in public places, including stores, offices, restaurants, bars and government buildings, makes sense because it ensures that everyone can avoid the negative health impacts associated with breathing second-hand smoke indoors. More than 20 cities in Kentucky already offer this protection to their residents.
UK's tobacco-free campus up in smoke
Kentucky Kernel
December 5, 2011
There's nothing quite like stepping outside of White Hall Classroom Building on UK's campus on a brisk November morning and inhaling a breath of fresh toxins.
Public smoking bans are becoming the norm nowadays, but what bewilders me the most are the clouds of smoke lingering around UK's two-year tobacco-free campus. If you're anticipating fresh air on campus, then you better hold your breath.
Cash short for fighting smoking
Ky., Ind. apply little tobacco settlement money to cause
Courier JournalDecember 4, 2011
Kentucky and Indiana together received an estimated $990 million this year from tobacco settlement money and tobacco taxes — but little of it is being spent on anti-smoking programs, according to a report by public health groups.
According to the health groups' report, "A Broken Promise to Our Children," the states will collect $25.6 billion in tobacco-settlement payments and tobacco taxes this year but will spend only $456.7 million combating tobacco use — just 1.8 percent of their tobacco revenues.
Smoking ban ordinance passes
Times-Tribune
November
28, 2011
A smoking ban ordinance was unanimously passed Wednesday by Corbin's commissioners.
During a special called meeting, the second and final reading of the ordinance was held. Once the ordinance is advertised, it will become law.
The ordinance bans smoking in all public places within the city's limits. Violators could face a misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $150.
Corbin passes smoking ban ordinance
NECN.com
November 25, 2011
A southeastern Kentucky city has barred smoking in all public places and made violating the ban a misdemeanor.
Corbin's city commission passed the ban Wednesday night. Violators could face a fine of up to $150, The Times-Tribune reported.
The ordinance prohibits smoking in public enclosed places, including bars, bingo halls, restaurants and retail businesses. Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of an entrances, exits, wheelchair ramps, windows and ventilation systems for enclosed areas.
Private residences are excluded from the ban unless they are used for childcare, adult daycare or as a health care facility.
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Editorial: Smoking's grip
Courier Journal
November 24, 2011
Last Thursday, just in time for the annual Great American Smokeout, a day dedicated to smokers who want to give up the habit, Gallup released a list of state-by-state smoking rates, and how they stacked up against the national average of 21 percent.
This is not a list anyone wants to top — yet, there was Kentucky at No. 1 with a 29 percent rate of adults who smoke. That means almost one in three adult Kentuckians smokes.
Corbin City Commission enacts smoking ban
KY Health News
November 23, 2011
The Corbin City Commission passed an ordinance this week to ban smoking in all enclosed public areas and enclosed public buildings. The ordinance will also require smokers to remain at least 25 feet from building entrances. Areas subject to the ban include bingo parlors, restaurants except for outdoor seating, and motels and hotels, "which may not offer more than 20 percent of rooms as smoking," Dean Manning of The News Journal reported. "Once the ordinance is advertised, it will become law," Becky Kilian of The Times-Tribune reports.
Another southeastern Kentucky city joins the ranks of the smoke free
WKYT 27: News First Lexington
November 23, 2011
Another southeastern Kentucky city joins the ranks of the smoke free.
Corbin City Council members met Wednesday morning to vote on the ordinance, which will ban smoking in all businesses.
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Editorial | State Smoking Ban Must Not Weaken
Kentucky.com
October 26, 2011
Rep. Susan Westrom, D-Lexington, is teeing up another try at enacting a statewide ban on smoking in indoor public places.
Like last year, she has the support of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Its members are smarting from the steep health-care costs and lost productivity that come from doing business in a state with the highest rate — one in four Kentuckians — of adult smoking.
Editorial | Snuff it out
Louisville Courier-JournalOctober 21, 2011
When Rep. Tom Burch, D-Louisville, introduced a bill to ban smoking in public places a quarter century ago, the measure was sent to an unfriendly House agriculture committee. When members met to consider the bill, each one lit a cigarette.
Lawmaker Seeks Statewide Smoking Ban
Eagle 99.3 FM WSCH
October 21, 2011
The topic of a statewide smoking ban is again filling the air in Kentucky. State Rep. Susan Westrom (D-Lexington) she plans to introduce legislation in the 2012 legislative session to ban smoking in public places across the state.
Lawmakers Propose KY Smoking Ban
Tristatehomepage.com
October 20, 2011
A state synonymous with tobacco could soon join many other states in public smoking ban.
Representative Susan Westrom from Frankfort says she's proposing the ban at all indoor public places, similar to what many towns in the state already have.
Kentucky lawmaker to propose statewide smoking ban
Louisville Courier-JournalOctober 20, 2011
Backed by a coalition of health and anti-smoking groups, Rep. Susan Westrom said Wednesday that she plans to file a bill for the 2012 legislative session to enact a statewide smoking ban in public places.
Supporters encourage statewide smoking ban
Frankfort State-JournalOctober 20, 2011
A law to ban smoking in public buildings and workplaces across the state – similar to legislation that failed earlier this year – has legs again. Rep. Susan Westrom, D-Lexington, plans to pre-file the bill, and she has support from anti-smoking groups and health officials across the state, including Paula Alexander, public health director of the Franklin County Health Department.
Health and welfare committee discusses statewide smoke-free law
Kychamberblog.com
October 19, 2011
Kentucky is getting one step closer to kicking its bad smoking habit. The Interim Joint Committee on Health & Welfare discussed a proposed statewide smoke-free law today. Rep. Susan Westrom (D-Lexington) presented her plan to sponsor a bill in the 2012 legislative session that would institute a comprehensive, statewide smoke-free law in all indoor workplaces, restaurants, bars and other public places in Kentucky. Rep. Westrom was joined by several other supporters, including Dave Adkisson, president and CEO of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
Smoke-Free Environments Improve the Health of Kentuckians
Kyvoicesforhealth.comOctober 19, 2011
Kentucky Voices for Health (KVH), a coalition of more than 250 organizations and individuals working to build a healthier Kentucky, supports smoke-free policies in its mission to enable Kentuckians to breathe clean air and work in healthier environments. The coalition supports statewide and local community efforts to rid indoor workplaces, restaurants, bars and other public places from secondhand smoke. This is a positive step toward creating healthier communities across the Commonwealth.
State Chamber President Backs Workplace Smoking Ban
Wfpl.orgOctober 19, 2011
The president of the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has thrown his support behind a proposed statewide smoking ban in the workplace. Dave Adkisson testified before a legislative panel in Frankfort today. He says ten years ago, it would have been unthinkable for the chamber to take such a position.
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Talk begins about statewide smoking ban
Wave3.com
October 19, 2011
A statewide smoking ban could soon become a reality in the Bluegrass. Kentucky lawmakers discussed a statewide smoke-free law Wednesday afternoon that would include a ban on smoking in all indoor workplaces, as well as restaurants, bars and other public places in the Commonwealth.
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Rep. Susan Westrom will re-introduce statewide smoking ban bill
CN|2October 19, 2011
State Rep. Susan Westrom, a Democrat from Lexington, plans to re-introduce in 2012 a bill to ban smoking statewide in indoor public places and work facilities. Westrom introduced the bill last legislative session but said it ended up being more of a trial run to "educate" other legislators.
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Statewide smoking ban bill will be filed again; gubernatorial candidates say it's not necessary at this point
Kentucky Health News
October 19, 2011
For the second year, a bill that would ban smoking in all public places statewide will be filed and considered by the General Assembly. State Rep. Susan Westrom, who proposed a ban last year, outlined her plan Wednesday.
Editorial: Williams on smoking
Louisville Courier Journal
January 25, 2011
During a candidates' forum at a Kentucky Press Association meeting in Louisville, Sen. Williams offered a strong endorsement of proposed legislation to ban smoking in most public places statewide. Sen. Williams, who is a Republican candidate for governor this year, said he would vote for such a prohibition if it comes before the state Senate.
KY Anti-Smoking Forces Seek Statewide Ban
Public News Service
January 7, 2011
Public health advocates say public opinion supports a statewide smoking ban, and they're cautiously optimistic state lawmakers will green-light the idea this legislative session. Dozens of groups are united behind the "Smoke-Free Kentucky" campaign, and they rallied in the Capitol Thursday to pitch the measure that bans indoor smoking in public places - including bars and restaurants - across the state.
Lexington lawmaker proposes statewide smoking ban
Lexington Herald Leader
January 7, 2011
State lawmakers on Thursday filed the first bill calling for a statewide ban on smoking in or near the entrances of workplaces and public places, including restaurants, bars, hotels and bingo halls.
Kentuckians favor statewide smoking ban
courier-journal.com
January 7, 2011
A majority of Kentuckians favor a statewide smoking ban in public places such as restaurants, stores and offices, according to a poll released Thursday by anti-smoking activists. “A smoke free law is good for the public,” said Danny McGoldrick, vice-president of research for the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. “It’s good for business and the voters love it!”
Smoking ban bill introduced in Ky. legislature
Associated Press
January 7, 2011
An urban lawmaker started pushing Thursday for a statewide smoking ban in Kentucky, where burley tobacco production and smoking-related illnesses are deep-rooted traditions. The bill being offered by Democratic Rep. Susan Westrom of Lexington seeks to impose a statewide smoking ban in all indoor workplaces and in public places such as shopping centers. The ban would apply to bars and restaurants.
Bill would regulate indoor smoking statewide
Cincinatti Enquirer
January 7, 2011
A bill scheduled to be introduced in the General Assembly on Thursday calls for a smoking ban across Kentucky, where residents smoke at the nation’s highest rate and tobacco-related illnesses exact a heavy toll.
