LETTER: Support for SB 63

To the Editor:

The House Judiciary Committee voted to pass SB 63 out of committee on January 26. It’s now April, and despite having overwhelming support across the state and in the Alaska legislature, SB 63 has not yet been moved to the floor to get the vote it deserves.

Anchorage Representative, Gabrielle LeDoux has chosen to abuse her power as Rules committee Chair to hold the bill from getting to the floor. What’s worse is that 21 cross-sponsors and House leadership have allowed her to abuse her power.

This bill would provide protections from the dangerous health effects of secondhand smoke to the 50% of the state that are not currently covered by a local law or ordinance. What’s even more disappointing is that this issue is a non-partisan issue. 69% of Alaskans support a smokefree workplace law. This bill has passed through the Senate with overwhelming support twice. And it has 21 cross-sponsors. A MAJORITY of House members have signed on as sponsors. This bill will pass when it gets to the floor.

It's time for our elected legislators to be leaders and work for the people that they represent. It’s time for our legislative leaders to use the power that they have to ensure that LeDoux stops this egregiously unethical behavior. It’s time to move SB 63 to the floor to get the vote it deserves.

— Melissa G. Mudd

Palmer, AK