News Releases and Articles
Texas' smoking habit costs us billions
Stand at the intersection of public health and public policy and it won't be long before you see a wreck. Collisions are inevitable when perceived "rights" fail to yield to the public good.
The battle is on again over a statewide smoking ban
Undaunted by defeats in three previous legislative sessions, a broad-based coalition of health advocates is re-launching a push for a statewide smoking ban in most public places and indoor worksites
Statement on House Bill 400 by Rep. Myra Crownover
Below is a statement by Claudia Rodas, co-chair of the Smoke-Free Texas coalition, on Rep. Crownover's proposed smoke-free workplace bill:
“The Smoke-Free Texas coalition commends Rep. Myra Crownover (R-Denton) for her continued dedication and leadership on this important public health issue.
You're invited to our 2013 advocacy event!
We're excited to announce that we are teaming up with Texans Standing Tall to bring you a jam-packed, one-day advocacy event on February 12, 2013 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Double Tree Hotel in Austin.
Proponents of statewide smoking ban optimistic this session
The possibility of banning smoking in public workplaces across Texas has been relit this legislative session by anti-smoking groups that believe they have built enough momentum over the past three sessions to finally get a bill passed.
Rathbun, Estrada, Trawick, Bui: Time to pass a statewide smoke-free workplace ban
Every day, thousands of Texas employees are forced to work in conditions where they are exposed to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Additionally, the patchwork of city smoking ordinances that exists across our state creates an inconsistent playing field for businesses and causes uncertainty and confusion for customers.
Rathbun: Estrada, Trawick, Bui: Smoking ban protects employee health
Every day, thousands of Texas employees are forced to work in conditions where they are exposed to the harmful effects of secondhand smoke. Additionally, the patchwork of city smoking ordinances that exists across our state creates an inconsistent playing field for businesses and causes uncertainty and confusion for customers.
Smoke-Free Texas Coalition Exceeds 50,000 Facebook Fans
AUSTIN – The Smoke-Free Texas coalition exceeded 50,000 Facebook fans Monday, adding to the momentum for the state’s largest Facebook policy group. The group had more than 29,000 Facebook fans at the end of the last legislative session in June 2011.
Kenneth Cooper: Pass a statewide smoke-free workplace law
Imagine working at a place where each employee is required to spend a full shift working in a room where the air contains 70 known cancer-causing chemicals, including formaldehyde, benzene and arsenic. As a condition of employment, the employee must consent to this environment or choose to work elsewhere.
Editorial: Hits and Misses
Texas flunks on anti-smoking measures
Texas got the failing grade it deserved from the American Lung Association for the state’s lackluster efforts to discourage smoking, the No. 1 preventable cause of death in the United States. The association’s annual report card lists Texas among 12 states with a failing grade for lacking statewide smoke-free-air laws in public places...