State smoking ban not favored Legislators lean toward leaving it local

Publication Date: 2006-11-25

• Author:Doug Finke
• Publication:(IL) State Journal-Register

Springfield businesses and others hoping the Illinois General Assembly will enact a statewide ban on indoor smoking in public places, such as that in effect in Springfield, may be in for a long wait.

Three of the four legislative leaders in the General Assembly are inclined to let local governments decide rather than impose a statewide ban, spokesmen for the three said Wednesday.

And Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who would have to sign a smoking ban into law if one were to pass, thinks it should be a local decision, too.

"The governor would review legislation like that (should it reach his desk), but he firmly believes it is a decision local communities should make by themselves," Blagojevich spokeswoman Rebecca Rausch said.