Texas Smoke-Free Legislation: Round Two Coming Soon

May 19, 2009 by Brendan Burns (LIVESTRONG Staff)

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It is with deep regret we inform you our bill to make Texas smoke-free has died at the hands of big tobacco. While nearly 70 percent of Texans support this measure and there are more than 85 co-sponsors in the Texas House and Senate, we have been unable to gain enough votes in the Texas Senate and the bill has been withdrawn.

Big tobacco, their 40 paid lobbyists and millions of dollars might have won this battle, but the fight will go on. Countless cities across the state of Texas have proven their leadership and enacted smoke-free workplace policies. We will continue to wage this war in communities across our state starting on June 1, and we?ll be back in Austin in 2011 to fight again.

We know these efforts can take a number of years, as evidenced by the recent smoke-free victories in North Carolina and Wisconsin. Still, we are deeply disappointed the Texas Legislature failed to act on something so many of their constituents support.
Here?s what Lance had to say:

?Big tobacco spent millions to kill smoke-free legislation and they got to enough of our legislators to win this round. On the state level we have to hit pause but in local governments across Texas we?re mobilizing starting June 1. Nearly 70 percent of Texans support comprehensive smoke-free legislation and we want safe, smoke-free workplaces where we can earn a living. As we?ve seen in states all over America, it?s just a matter of time before our efforts succeed. We are not intimidated by big tobacco and we will not give up.?

Stay tuned for how you can get involved and help us grow our numbers in Texas. Thank you for all of your help and support over these last several months.