By KPR
Frankfort, KY – A coalition of health groups says it can demonstrate growing support among Kentuckians for a statewide smoke free law. Danny McGoldrick, Vice President for Research with the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, says his group, along with the American Lung Association, the American Heart Association, and the American Cancer Society, recently commissioned a telephone survey of some 500 likely voters.
"We asked people very directly would you favor or oppose a statewide smoke-free law that would prohibit smoking in all public places including restaurants and bars. We didn't want to pull any punches with anybody or to try to get their support by softening the wording or anything and by a margin of 59-39% Kentucky voters favor a strong smoke free law. So, a twenty percentage point difference, in terms of favor versus oppose. We think that's a very positive result here in Kentucky."
Democrat Representative Susan Westrom of Lexington has filed a bill in the House that would impose a statewide smoking ban in all indoor workplaces and public places; including bars and restaurants. She says Kentuckians shouldn't have to choose between their health and a paycheck. Westrom acknowledges the bill faces an uphill fight this legislative session, but says she'll keep pushing the proposal.