07-06 - 02-06 - Support of 2007 Freedom to Breathe Act Resolution 07-6 February 6, 2007
Member Pentel introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE 2007 FREEDOM TO BREATHE ACT
WHEREAS, the body of scientific evidence establishing secondhand smoke
exposure as a serious health threat continues to grow;
WHEREAS, exposure to secondhand smoke contributes to the death of 46,000
nonsmokers in the United States from heart disease each year and 3,000 nonsmokers in
the United States from lung cancer each year;
WHEREAS, while 40 percent of Minnesotans live in communities with smoke-free
ordinances, 60 percent do not have this public health protection;
WHEREAS, the release of the Surgeon General's report last year concluded that the
debate on the dangers of secondhand smoke is over;
WHEREAS, the Surgeon General also concluded that the only way to truly protect
nonsmokers from the risk is through smoke-free buildings and public places;
WHEREAS, smoke-free policies are overwhelmingly supported in Minnesota
communities and are popular with voters;
WHEREAS, the legislature failing to adopt a strong smoke-free workplaces law this
year will continue to leave many workers at risk;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Golden Valley supports:
• The passage of the Freedom to Breathe Act during the 2007 legislative session,
putting in place a strong smoke-free workplaces law with no loopholes that would
protect everybody's right to breathe clean air.
• The right of local governments to strengthen local laws to further protect workers
from secondhand smoke exposure.
Aff/Zett X6reinVe--,V.
Linda R. Loomis, Mayor
ATTEST:
Susan M. Virnig, City'Clerk
Resolution 07-6 - Continued February 6, 2007
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was seconded by Member Freiberg
and upon a vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Freiberg,
Loomis, Pentel, Scanlon and Shaffer; and the following voted against the same: none,
whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted, signed by the Mayor
and her signature attested by the City Clerk.