Jump to full article: Detroit (MI) Free Press, 2008-09-23
Author: BERT JOHNSON
Intro: Legislators should be proud to send a unified message that we are protecting the health and well-being of every resident and visitor who patronizes public facilities in Michigan. Those who argue on behalf of the employees' preference should survey whether employees would choose a smoke-free environment over the threat of losing their jobs through a resulting downsizing.
How viable is a cigar and martini bar if you can't smoke cigars? As for casinos, prior to a 2006 smoking ban at Casino Windsor, many U.S. citizens chose the Canadian facility over Detroit's largely due to the favorable currency exchange rate they enjoyed.
After the ban took effect, those patrons immediately returned to Detroit's gaming facilities. . . .
After voters approved their existence, the casinos invested nearly $2 billion in Detroit and Michigan, and contributed nearly $200 million to Detroit in gaming revenue last year alone.
The three Detroit casinos provide more property and income tax revenue to the state than any other Michigan gaming facility. Approaching another significant budget deficit, we as legislators are responsible for remaining focused on improving Michigan's economy for the hard-working families who are depending on it.
BERT JOHNSON represents Detroit's 5th district in the Michigan House of Representatives.
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