Capitol hearing on smoking ban draws huge crowd

Publication Date: 2007-05-31

• Author:Andrew Beckett
• Publication:Wisconsin Radio Network

A legislative hearing on a proposed statewide smoking ban draws a huge crowd at the Capitol. Hundreds filled a hearing room to capacity to testify on the bill, which would ban smoking in public places across Wisconsin.

DHFS Secretary Kevin Hayden says delaying action on the bill only exposes more people to the risks of second hand smoke, and increases the chances kids will pick up the habit. Hayden says a statewide ban is possibly the best thing Wisconsin can do to improve the overall health of the public.

The proposal is currently being considered by a Senate committee, which is expected to vote on the bill at a later date.