Everyone else is doing it; why not Indiana

Publication Date: 2010-09-09

• Author:LTE: Aida McCammon
• Publication:Indianapolis Star

Since the beginning of the year, many cities and states have passed comprehensive tobacco-free laws. North Carolina, the nation's leading tobacco-producing state and the home of R.J. Reynolds, the country's second-largest cigarette manufacturer, went smoke free in January, and more than eight months later the concerns predicted for the financial loss to the restaurant and bar industry never materialized. Why can't Indiana?

The hazards of secondhand smoke are indisputable and there is no substantial evidence that show smoke-free laws have a negative impact on businesses.

It's time for lawmakers to protect Indiana workers' health and provide a boost to state businesses. As a member of the Indiana Campaign for Smoke Free Air, the Indiana Latino Institute urges state legislators to make a smoke-free law a priority moving into the next legislative session.

Aida McCammon
President and CEO
Indiana Latino Institute