LANSING––Senator Ray Basham (D-Taylor) was recently recognized by the American Cancer Society with their Excalibur Award for his ongoing efforts in the Legislature to make Michigan workplaces smokefree. Basham was honored at a ceremony this past Saturday at the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event in Wyandotte.

“I am grateful for and deeply humbled by this award, but my work to pass legislation to make Michigan workplaces smokefree is far from over,” said Basham. “We will continue to fight for a comprehensive smokefree workplace law that protects all employees from cancer and the other health risks of secondhand smoke exposure.”

Sen. Basham has been fighting to protect the health of Michigan workers for more than ten years. The Excalibur Award recognizes his advocacy efforts to pass legislation making all Michigan workplaces smokefree. He has been a staunch supporter of smokefree workplaces and has fought against any exemptions or exceptions that would put any Michigan workers at risk.

Recent studies show that nearly 2/3 of Michigan voters support a workplace ban that includes bars and restaurants. Unfortunately, Michigan remains one of the 13 states left that has yet to pass legislation to create smokefree workplaces. Thirty-seven states have already passed similar legislation to protect their workers form deadly exposure to secondhand smoke, including Ohio, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Even North Carolina, the largest tobacco producing state in the county, recently passed a statewide smoking ban.

“There is no reason to delay action on this issue,” Basham said. “We need to do what’s best for the people of this state and go smokefree, and we need to do it now.”

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. For more information about the American Cancer Society, please call 1-800-ACS-2345.

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