Friday, January 06, 2006

Monday's votes

Monday will have several votes in our Assembly. Two of the more publicized ones, the moratoriam bill on the death penalty, S-709/A 2347 and the indoor smoking ban, S1926/ A3424 are out of the Judiciary and the Health and Human Services committees, respectively, and should go up for full Assembly vote on Monday.

There is a very short time left to get your voice heard by your Assemblyfolk. Contact your legislators and voice your support. (Or, voice your dissent if you feel you must.) I have received responses from my Assemblymen on weekends, so I don't believe it's too late. Make your opinion known!

3 comments:

DBK said...

Just so's you know, I called my assemblymembers and told them to vote for the moratorium, but I have a feeling they would anyway. It's that kind of district.

Jack said...

Sharon,

Do you know how these bills are supposed to do? I'm pretty optimistic about the Death Penalty measure. The indoor smoking ban seems unrealistic. I think for now that's reserved for NYC.

- Jersey Perspective

Sharon GR said...

Both bills are expected to pass.

California has an indoor smoking ban, and it seems to be working for them. As a former smoker whose parents are long gone largely due to tobacco use, I very strongly support the indoor smoking ban. I don't see it as unrealistic; people still will go to restaurants, bars, etc.

Probably the strangest impact will be in AC. The bill has an exception for casinos to keep NJ's gambling industry afloat in the age of more casinos and possible gambling in PA. However, that means AC bars and restaurants are all non-smoking while their neighbors get to allow it. This is a tough consequence. It's a shame that some business owners will be hurt by this ban, but I think it's worse that the workers in these bars and restaurants in question are exposed to carcinogens and compounds that worsen asthma and many cardiovascular issues. I also expect some AC visitors will seek out the non-smoking places; I hope it's enough to avoid losses in business.