PRESS RELEASE - December 2004 Fighting for our Freedoms, Choice and Personal Responsibility As 2004 comes to an end we would like to thank the 10,000 plus advocates who are fighting against more than just a smoking ban. Together we have accomplished much in the last few months and are looking forward to preventing a state wide smoking ban in 2005. Together we can make it happen. Minnesotans Against Smoking Bans have succeeded in gathering a forceful group of people who say they have had enough. We come from all walks of life, perspective and political party. We believe adults can and should be allowed to make adult decisions with a legal product. We believe property rights should mean something. We believe this is about much more than just a smoking ban. MASB has made progress in many areas. Smoke haters, however good their intentions might be, continue to lie to the American people in what will become known as the biggest scam ever perpetuated on the American people, the fact that second hand smoke is the cause of every evil in the world. We will spend as long as it takes to get the message out that second hand smoke is not the danger they portray. Their social and political agenda must be stopped. Seven states have entire smoking bans enacted for all workers, including restaurant and bar workers. The cost to these states in lost revenues, businesses and jobs is over a billion dollars. Two states, NY and MA are looking at repealing these bans in the 2005 legislative session. Others are examining the issue behind closed doors as a closer look at these studies prove all SHS studies are biased, flawed, exaggerated claims that have done more financial and social damage to these states and have accomplished absolutely no health gain. Voters in many states, including Minnesota, have spoken. Voters chose the least restrictive ban in every city that included the smoking ban issue on the ballot. In NY, 72% believe a total smoking ban went too far. The majority of elected officials in Minnesota do not support a statewide smoking ban. Please celebrate the New Year by writing a letter to our elected representatives in Minnesota encouraging them to vote against a state wide smoking ban. Tell them your tax dollars would be better spent on real issues, health or otherwise. Smokefree legislation is a matter of choice best left to the business owners, staff and their customers. With 22% of our population being smokers (and another 20% who occasionally smoke when they go out) we do not need additional legislation to tell us how to behave. Have a wonderful holiday season and a prosperous New Year in 2005. Sue Jeffers, President Bob Halfpenny, VP Minnesotans Against Smoking Bans