Push continues for anti-smoking initiatives

Publication Date: 2007-08-14

• Author:Andrew Beckett
• Publication:Wisconsin Radio Network

A coalition of health groups is strengthening its push to limit tobacco use in Wisconsin.

Smoke Free Wisconsin's Maureen Busalacchi says there's strong public support for a statewide smoking ban, a $1.25 a pack increase in the tobacco tax, and increased funding for smoking prevention.

Smoke Free Wisconsin and several other health groups have been coordinating a statewide campaign to limit tobacco use. But Busalacchi says some lawmakers are still hesitant to support them because of a very vocal minority that believes those measures are bad for business.

The health groups are urging the public to tell lawmakers they want anti-tobacco measures to move forward. Busalacchi says it's the only way to compete with being outspent 2-to-1 by big tobacco.