Friday, September 03 2010
From: Cigar Rights of America
On June 26, 2009, CRA profiled the battle in the State of South Dakota, proclaiming that it was a ‘national model in the making.' The great coalition -- under the banner Citizens for Individual Freedom -- have been diligently working to create a national model for freedom and these efforts deserves the attention of CRA members everywhere.
As we have noted, South Dakota's legislature passed a new expanded smoking ban (following some interesting procedural maneuvers) and it was subsequently signed into law by Governor Mike Rounds.
While many would take such action as the final word, a strong pro-business coalition was organized that includes the
Video Lottery Establishments of South Dakota, Deadwood Gaming Association, Licensed Beverage Dealers of South Dakota, DeVitt Gaming Association and the Music and Vending Association of South Dakota. The latest development deserves our admiration and support. This coalition collected enough signatures to toss the decision to a public referendum. They amassed over 16,000 signatures to force the vote, which in and of itself is an amazing testament to this effort.
Then, the American Cancer Society challenged the validity of the signatures, and took the matter to court. State Circuit Court Judge Kathleen Trandahl's ruling dismissed arguments put forth by the American Cancer Society regarding the critical need for the immediate smoking ban. She noted that it must not have been that critical [for the public health] because the legislature did not pass the ban with an emergency clause.
Judge Trandahl ruled that the signatures were valid, and that the coalition had collected 2,244 more than needed to compel the public vote in this year's November election. Additionally, she ruled that the citizens of South Dakota deserve the right to vote on this matter. In further breaking news, the American Cancer Society will not appeal the judge's decision!
Now, The American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, and American Lung Association have allocated $500,000 to support passage of Referred Law 12 in the November referendum.
We Can Make A Difference
Ponder this for a moment: A statewide legislature passed a smoking ban bill. A Governor signed that bill. A group of citizens stopped the implementation in its tracks by using the democratic process (forcing a citizen vote on the issue). Extensive court battles take place and the smoking ban measure will now be on this year's November ballot.
Fellow CRA members, regardless of the outcome in November, this is -- indeed -- a step in the right direction and a model for smoking ban battles everywhere.
Let's help Citizens for Individual Freedom by submitting a letter to the editor of these South Dakota newspapers:
Rapid City Journal
Sioux Falls Argus Leader
The Yankton County Observer
Once again, those faces on Mount Rushmore are staring down with a grin (like those tobacco farmers Washington and Jefferson) and seeing democracy in action.
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