Bredesen puts support behind workplace smoking ban

Bredesen, a Democrat who is also working to triple the state?s cigarette tax to 60 cents per pack, called the smoking ban ?one of the single biggest things we can do to improve our health and leave our state with a healthier environment.?

The governor said the blanket smoking ban is the logical next step after last year?s ban of smoking inside state-owned and operated buildings, including the legislative complex.

?No one should have to choose between their personal livelihood and their health,? Bredesen said in remarks prepared for a speech to the Tennessee Press Association. ?All workers have the right to breathe clean air.?

Bredesen said the passage of the smoking ban and the cigarette tax hike would combine to be ?a powerful force in fighting the detrimental effects of smoking.?

Bredesen said smoking in Tennessee adds up to $2 billion in annual health care costs, including more than $600 million for TennCare, the state?s expanded state-federal Medicare program that provides health coverage to about 1.2 million mostly low-income pregnant women, children and disabled people.

Bredesen has proposed the new cigarette tax to generate more than $200 million to pay for the increased costs of educating children from poor families, to cover the costs of growing student populations and to minimize college tuition increases.

Anti-smoking bills have traditionally struggled in Tennessee, one of the nation?s top tobacco-producing states. But tobacco is no longer a top crop in the state, Bredesen said.

?It?s time to complete the circle and take smoking out of the privileged position it has enjoyed for years,? Bredesen said. ?I hope that not only health advocates but farmers and others will recognize that this is something that makes sense and support it.?

The Tennessee Restaurant Association, which has been one of the most vocal opponents of banning smoking in bars and restaurants, has decided this year to support a full workplace smoking ban.

?It has to be in the workplace ? everybody; don?t have exemptions and play games,? said Ronnie Hart, the association’s president. ?It creates a level playing field.?