Post on 17-Jan-2018
No Smoking in the Country?
Getting Smokefree Laws in Rural America
Sherry L. Tomasky, MAAmerican Cancer Society
Syracuse, NY
Background
A proliferation of Clean Indoor Air laws in larger cities in New York caused us to look at differences in how legislation happens in urban vs. rural areas. Three key differences in rural advocacy How we got the law done Ways we are still fighting the battle
Three Notable Differences
Conservative political views Sparse population/distant media markets Impact of economic arguments
Bar and tavern industry complains Financial impact of smoking on healthcare costs
Political Views
More local laws in the state were passed by Republican held counties vs. Democratic (9 out of 12)
State Conservative Party opposed bill and actively fights it Freedom and rights Economic harm Big Brother
Media Markets
The major media markets are located in the larger upstate cities
Smaller counties – newspapers are most local and relevant news available
Proximity to the small papers can be an advantage or disadvantage Little things make big news in small towns
This article is about a man who sent a letter to some folks about scheduling a meeting! Front page, top of fold!
November 30, 2003
Smoking ban kills local tavern
Law hurts business, forces Cam-Nel Restaurant to close, owner and patrons say.
By Mike McAndrew Staff writer A wake will be held today for one of Mattydale's oldest taverns.
Economic Arguments
The Hospitality Industry… Puts up sympathetic faces with local recognition Has many more active advocates than we do Bullies the business people who want to
champion the law
What Matters?
Money Economic impact on bars and restaurants Economic impact on the healthcare system
Medicaid Dollars
Property Taxes
Costs of Smoking
Connecting Medicaid costs to Smoking made an impact in some small towns, because county budgets were being stressed by Medicaid costs.
Formulas are available from the CDC: Explanation of the estimate that 16% of all Medicaid expenditures are
smoking-related, as well as the explanation of estimate of $351 per capita are attributable to smoking related illnesses can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/statehi/html_2002/new_York.htm
Strategies for Rural Advocacay
Took advantage of “let the state do it”. Asked county legislators to call their state
reps when the state bill gained steam. Sent action alerts to our 2,500 grassroots
advocates via mail and email. Generated over 200 communications to
lawmakers through our website (cancer.org).
Media Advocacy
Lots of media coverage for local campaigns Utilized op-eds and letters as much as
possible Harder to get earned feature stories
Use major studies as springboards Conduct your own research (surveys, air
monitoring Paid ads
Still fighting….
Constant media coverage of bars’ plight Dramatic stories
“I’ll be on the unemployment line with my two kids at Christmas”
Confusion over provisions of the law herbal cigarettes waivers
What you can do
Empower your local elected officials as advocates for state legislation
Use smoking costs as tools to educate Find spokespeople that have strong
connection to local media