For Immediate Release
Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630/407-6022
April 11, 2007

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE HOLDS FIRST HEARING

Committee Endorses Resolution in Support of Statewide Smoking Ban

WHEATON, IL — The County’s newly created Legislative Committee held their first meeting on Tuesday, and their first official act of business was to pass a resolution supporting legislation in Springfield that calls for a statewide smoking ban throughout Illinois. 

The legislative calling for a statewide ban, SB 500, is currently in the Illinois House awaiting final action in that chamber. 

Committee Chairman Brien Sheahan (District 2), who has been a strong advocate for a statewide smoking ban, noted that such a measure is the best solution in addressing the harmful effects second-hand smoke causes in eating establishments.

“Having a comprehensive, statewide ban will bring uniformity to this important public health issue,” said Sheahan.   “I want to thank the majority of those County Board members who supported this resolution, and I would implore the Illinois House to pass this measure and send it to the Governor’s desk for final action.”

Aside from passing the resolution, the Committee also heard from the County’s Springfield lobbyist who briefed members about the other important issues currently before the Illinois General Assembly.

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