Tennessee Governor Makes Smoke-free Environments Legislation Priority

Gov. Phil Bredesen along with CHART and health coalition members, including the American Heart Association, announced Thursday his plans to make smoke-free environments, including workplaces, a legislative priority for this coming year.

The American Heart Association supports such legislation to help curb the effects of secondhand smoke in Tennessee. According to the American Heart Association, more nearly 50 percent of non-smoking adults report regular exposure to environmental tobacco smoke at home or work.

“The American Heart Association is very happy that the Governor is taking steps to help curb the effects of tobacco in Tennessee,” said Nathan James, Advocacy Director for the American Heart Association.

Another legislative priority includes increasing the tobacco tax by 75 cents. It has been proven that raising the tax on tobacco decreases public consumption, especially by underage smokers. Tennessee currently has one of the lowest tobacco taxes in the nation at 20 cents per pack. The national average is more than 90 cents per pack.