Input urged on smoking ban

Publication Date: 2005-04-08

• Author:LESLIE REED
• Publication:Omaha (NE) World Herald

State Sen. Nancy Thompson of La Vista on Thursday urged supporters of a statewide ban on smoking in restaurants to talk to their lawmakers about the issue in the coming days.

State lawmakers began debating the proposed ban, Legislative Bill 480, on Thursday. They adjourned for the weekend without voting on the measure, however.

It is scheduled to return to the agenda Monday, and lawmakers likely will vote early next week.

"This is an issue that touches everyone," Thompson said in an interview. "This is the time for people to weigh in with their state senator."

She said she felt good about Thursday's debate, but the proposed ban faces an uphill battle. . . .

Smoking ban supporters said it's a small but necessary step in the battle against tobacco.

"Can you think of any other instance where public policy is dictated by the addicts?" asked Sen. Joel Johnson of Kearney, a physician