Year: 2009
Resolution Number: 7
Action Taken: Approved as Amended
Status:
Author(s): Donald R. Peven, MD
Sponsor: Donald R. Peven, MD
On behalf of: Oakland County Delegation
Committee: B (Legislation)
Resolved Section(s):
RESOLVED: That MSMS initiate, when appropriate, a statewide petition drive with all interested parties that would permit a ballot proposal in the 2010 elections to make Michigan workplaces smoke-freeREFERENCE COMMITTEE RATIONALE: The Committee believes that bringing forward a ballot proposal would indicate an unwillingness of the legislature to pass legislation to make Michigan smoke-free. The Committee believes that smoke-free air is a priority and that a ballot proposal is the next step in the progression of our advocacy. However, the Committee does not feel that the current legislative strategy has been exhausted yet. The Committee believes that there will be a point at which the effort to pass legislation will need to transition to an effort to have the issue decided by the voters. The Committee also believes that signaling a shift in strategy from the legislature to the ballot could provide an excuse for legislators to not act. Therefore, including the phrase “when appropriate” will provide MSMS and other advocacy groups the opportunity to continue to pursue this issue in the legislature until it is no longer feasible.
RESOLVED: That MSMS initiate, when appropriate, a statewide petition drive with all interested parties that would permit a ballot proposal in the 2010 elections to make Michigan workplaces smoke-freeREFERENCE COMMITTEE RATIONALE: The Committee believes that bringing forward a ballot proposal would indicate an unwillingness of the legislature to pass legislation to make Michigan smoke-free. The Committee believes that smoke-free air is a priority and that a ballot proposal is the next step in the progression of our advocacy. However, the Committee does not feel that the current legislative strategy has been exhausted yet. The Committee believes that there will be a point at which the effort to pass legislation will need to transition to an effort to have the issue decided by the voters. The Committee also believes that signaling a shift in strategy from the legislature to the ballot could provide an excuse for legislators to not act. Therefore, including the phrase “when appropriate” will provide MSMS and other advocacy groups the opportunity to continue to pursue this issue in the legislature until it is no longer feasible.
Fiscal Note: NULL
Resolution: View PDF for Ballot Proposal for Smoke-Free Workplace Laws in Michigan