Protecting the Freedom to Breathe
The MMA proudly and actively supported passage of the Freedom to Breathe Act in 2007. This law prohibits smoking in indoor workplaces, including bars and restaurants, and on public transportation. Preventing death and disease caused by tobacco and secondhand smoke has long been an MMA goal.
The statewide clean-air law was a major victory in the MMA’s effort to make Minnesota the healthiest state in the nation. But there is still a danger that opponents may try to undercut the law by repealing it or carving out exceptions.
The MMA will continue to raise awareness of the health dangers of secondhand smoke, build support for the Freedom to Breathe law, support an increase in the tobacco tax, and direct smokers to resources that can help them kick their addiction to tobacco.