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The second annual American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control: 2003 report has been released.  This national report card analyzes state tobacco control laws in four key areas—smokefree air, cigarette excise taxes, tobacco program funding, and youth access to tobacco.  Minnesota scored grades of:  "F" in smokefree air; "D" for its cigarette excise tax; "C" in tobacco program funding; and "C" in youth access to tobacco.

This report should be a wake-up call to the legislature and our governor about the status of tobacco control in Minnesota.  Minnesota’s smokefree air laws are weak.  Approximately 53,000 non-smoking Americans die from secondhand smoke each year.  No one in Minnesota should have to breathe toxic fumes when visiting or working in a public establishment.  The time is now to pass a smokefree law that will save lives.

Please take a moment to send the attached letter to your legislators and Governor Pawlenty in support of legislation to protect all workers from secondhand smoke in Minnesota.