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Legislative Committee Considering Smoking Ban Bill

Legislative Committee Considering Smoking Ban Bill
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By Kentucky News Network
Dec. 17, 2014 | FRANKFORT, KY
By Kentucky News Network Dec. 17, 2014 | 05:00 PM | FRANKFORT, KY
A push for a statewide smoking law is getting the attention of a legislative committee in Frankfort.  
 
Supporters of a "Smoke Free Kentucky" law cited statistics and pleaded with lawmakers to put a statewide smoking law up for a vote during next year's General Assembly.  
 
Statistics include Kentucky having the highest rates in the nation for lung cancer and lung cancer deaths, and ranks as the 47th unhealthiest state in the nation.  
 
Supporters also said smoking and second-hand smoke cost the state more than $1.9 billion in healthcare costs annually, and Wayne Merriweather, CEO of Twin Lakes Regional Medical Center in Leitchfield, said smoking puts a burden on taxpayers.

"Kentuckians tax burden from smoking-related expenses are $988 million, or $591 per household every year," Merriweather said.

But Senator Joe Bowen of Owensboro said these decisions should not be made in Frankfort.

"When local communities cop out on this, and turn to Frankfort - turn to 'Big Brother' - to make a decision that they should be making at the local level, it's frustrating for me," Bowen said.

A "Smoke Free" law has never advanced in the Kentucky General Assembly.
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