TRAVERSE CITY – State Representative Gary McDowell (D-Rudyard) announced today at a press conference in Traverse City his plan that will allow local units of government the ability to regulate smoking in public places. McDowell is prepared to introduce his bill at the State Capitol next week.
"If Michigan can't be smoke free statewide, we should at least give local governments the ability to protect their residents from secondhand smoke," McDowell said. "Too many people die needlessly every year from exposure to secondhand smoke."
McDowell on Tuesday voted in favor of legislation to make Michigan the 37th state to ban smoking in most indoor places, including bars and restaurants. The statewide smoking ban bill passed 73-31, but exempts casinos, certain cigar bars and tobacco specialty retail stores.
The McDowell legislation was originally suggested by Traverse City Mayor Michael Estes and the Traverse City Commission.
"We're still fighting to protect residents from the dangers of secondhand smoke statewide, but this proposal is another option we should explore as a way to protect residents," McDowell said. "Local municipalities should be able to choose for themselves and have control at a local level. If communities are tired of waiting for Lansing to act, public officials at the local level should be able to take action in their own communities."