Why We Should Still Be Listening to Former Govenor Arnold Schwarzenegger

Friday, April 29 2011

This is to remind our members, that in 2007 when California Senator Mark DeSaulnier was a member of the State Assembly, he sponsored an identical piece of legislation that was passed by the Assembly and Senate, and was stopped by Governor Schwarzenegger with his veto pen. It could happen again, and we don't have "The Governator" to stop it...we have Governor Jerry Brown.

We remind our national membership, that what can happen in California, can happen in your community. National models for anti-smoking legislation spread, especially after it gets traction in a place like California.

Let's keep up the pressure to stop this effort to ban smoking in cigar shops, private clubs and related venues!

BILL NUMBER: AB 1467

VETOED DATE: 10/14/2007

To the Members of the California State Assembly:

I am returning Assembly Bill 1467 without my signature.

This bill would remove a limited number of exemptions found in current law that permit smoking in specified bars, warehouses, hotel lobbies, meeting and banquet rooms, and businesses without employees.

California has led the nation in effective smoking control activities, achieving the second lowest rate of smoking among adults in the nation. The cessation of smoking is a component of my plan to encourage Californian's to lead a healthy lifestyle and thereby reduce health care costs. While more needs to be done to reduce smoking rates, I do not agree that placing further restrictions on business owners is the correct approach. Instead, California can further reduce smoking rates in other ways, such as increasing access to cessation services offered through the highly effective California Smokers' Helpline.

Sincerely,

Arnold Schwarzenegger

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H.B. 575, as a sweeping “close all exemptions” smoking ban, has been referred to the California Senate Appropriations Committee, which we hope will recognize the adverse economic impact this legislation will have for small businesses across California.

The next hearing on this bill is Monday, May 2. We will the specific time and location when available from the committee.

The CRA petition is now being switched to the membership of the California Senate Appropriations Committee, so you can “hit it” again. Help us send a message that this expanded smoking ban is bad for business, and is a direct attack on property rights for cigar enthusiasts in California.

ACTION STEPS:

Step 1. Please contact your member of the California Assembly and Senate (California Residents Only) and tell them to SAY NO to Senate Bill 575.

Step 2. Please sign the CRA Petition (All CRA Members).

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