Smoking law no longer a sure thing

Publication Date: 2005-07-23

• Author:Mike Ramsey
• Publication:Peoria (IL) Journal-Star

Governor now 'grappling' with bill staff said he'd sign

Gov. Rod Blagojevich says he's "grappling" with whether to sign legislation allowing strict smoking bans across Illinois - contradicting earlier signals he and his administration gave to the bill's supporters that it would become law.

Blagojevich said he's "carefully" weighing concerns about public health against the effect on local economies if he lets city governments outlaw smoking at bars and restaurants. Currently, only Chicago and 20 other cities, mostly suburbs, can impose those kinds of restrictions.