Mo. House Republicans propose smoking policy

Thursday, February 7, 2013

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri House Republicans are considering a policy to let lawmakers continue smoking in their offices while encouraging them to be “conscientious” and “respectful.”

Smoking is barred in the House chamber and public galleries. House rules require the Republican and Democratic caucuses to establish smoking policies for legislators’ private offices.

House Democrats have decided to bar smoking in their own private offices.

Republicans have proposed requiring any of their members who want to smoke in their offices to post signs on inner doors. Smokers would be responsible for buying and using equipment to mitigate smoke emanating from their offices. They would also be encouraged to smoke only between 6 p.m. and midnight and to leave a window open.

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jcb616 3 months, 1 week ago

In "their offices"? Aren't these state funded, which means "tax payers", offices. I am a smoker and don't agree with this, I and other smokers can't smoke in state buildings, restaraunts, too close to doors to businesses or just about anywhere else for that matter. Why should we even consider elected officials being allowed to smoke in "their" offices? I pay my taxes and should be allowed to smoke in the same buildings as those that my taxes go to pay their salary, the upkeep on the building and to pay the electric bills for "their offices". I know business owners, that own their business and the building and they are not allowed to smoke in their own building per laws passed by those now wanting to smoke in "their" offices.

MO4LIFE 3 months, 1 week ago

Classic JC & MO politics "Do as I Say Not As I Do" Don't you know MO politicians are above the law. Child Support (no Jail Time) DUI (sweep it under the rug) Welcome to the SHOW ME STATE where politicians Tell you what the law is and then Show you They are Above it!

JCLifer 3 months, 1 week ago

Republicans cannot do the right thing to gain some respect? These people have totally lost it.

Everyone knows there is no smoking in a public building. Even little kids.

Republicans are their own worst enemies when they do this kind of stuff. They lose all credibility and even their good ideas are flushed down the drain. Hope they are ready to keep losing elections.

Public service is an honor and a privelige, not an entitlement.

Stupid is as stupid does.

jcperson 3 months, 1 week ago

I am a republican and a smoker and am ashamed of my elected officials for all the stupid things they propose. If I can't smoke in the government buildings then you can't either. Go outside like the rest of us. I pay for this office with my tax dollars (and I pay alot of them), so you do not have my permission to smoke in the office I provide for you!

alena 3 months, 1 week ago

How about public vote on that one? just like we did on smoking in public places?! why are their offices different from all of our offices any way?

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