Secondhand smoke has proven to increase risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer, respiratory illnesses and other serious health issues. Yet after a long and hard fight in the Texas Senate this year to remove smoking from all workplaces, we fell a couple votes shy of being able to bring the bill up for a debate.

All objective studies have found that smoke-free laws have no adverse economic effect on restaurants and bars. But healthy, productive employees are the backbone for strong businesses. Working in a smoky bar is equivalent to smoking 36 cigarettes. So why should employees have to choose between their health and a paycheck?

With over 81 co-sponsors in the Texas House and solid support in the Senate, we have made significant progress. But the battle has not been won. We need your help to protect individuals from secondhand smoke and reduce their risk for heart disease and stroke.

Let's protect the health of Texas workers and make all workplaces in our state smoke-free. Please sign our petition and tell your lawmakers to make smoke-free workplaces a priority next session!

Dear State Lawmaker:

While the 81st Legislative Session has come and gone there is still work to do to improve public health in Texas. Many positive strides were made this year but the single greatest health issue was not addressed.

Despite widespread support from the general public, over 80 business and health organizations and many lawmakers, a comprehensive smoke-free workplace law was not passed. Secondhand smoke has proven to increase risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer, respiratory illnesses and other serious health issues.

[If you add a personal comment, it will be included here.]

During the interim I urge you to study this issue and support making all workplaces smoke-free. Working in a smoky bar is equivalent to smoking 36 cigarettes. Why should any worker have to choose between their health and a paycheck?

In addition, all objective studies have found that smoke-free laws have no adverse economic effect on restaurants and bars. But healthy, productive employees are the backbone for strong businesses.

The fact is that nearly 30 Texas cities have successfully passed and implemented strong smoking ordinances on their own. Unfortunately, about 25 percent of Texans live in "unincorporated areas" where a smoke-free law cannot be passed. As a state lawmaker, this is why we need your support and leadership on this issue. Help protect the health of Texas workers and make ALL workplaces free from the harmful affects of secondhand smoke.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your name here]