Thursday, February 28 2008
By Jennifer Jacobs
DeMoines Register Staff Writer
A sweeping statewide smoking ban passed the Iowa Senate Wednesday night, but whether it becomes law depends on House Democrats' ability to drum up the votes for it.
After the 29-21 vote, there was jubilation among Senate Democrats who have been fighting hard to prohibit smoking in all enclosed places of employment, including restaurants, bars and casinos.
This bill is not a divisive tool for discriminating against those who choose to smoke, but an avenue to a healthier Iowa," said Sen. Staci Appel, a Democrat from Ackworth.
During an eight-hour shift, she said, a worker in a smoky casino inhales the equivalent of 16 cigarettes.
Article continues at DesMoinesRegister.com...
