1006_Ind2_S2

Name: Danielle Keller

Instructions: Now that you have proven that there is a problem, you must research possible solutions to the problem. You must turn in this research sheet completed with two articles attached that show possible solutions and why they would work

III. There are many possible solutions to this problem. The possible solutions are: (Two articles must be attached and annotated bibliography): A New York Times article talks about paying for programs that will assist their employees in quitting the dangerous habit. "At least one-third of companies with at least 200 workers now offer smoking cessation as part of their employee benefits package" (Freudenheim 1). This program is a great option, and can greatly help reduce medical bills in the long run (Freudenheim 1). The smoking rate at the Union Pacific railroad company has dropped from 40% to about 17% in the last 15 years (Freudenheim 2). This program is anonymous to employers and costs nothing to employees (Freudenheim 3). Another solution is to ban smoking in public places such as restaurants, bars, and workplaces. An article about smoking restrictions in Canada shows results from such a ban. This article says that "hospitalizations for heart conditions fell 39 per cent and for respiratory conditions 32 per cent" a short time after the ban was enacted (Picard 1). Increased awareness about secondhand smoke also contributed to this drop in numbers, so programs about these dangers can be beneficial as well (Picard 2).

IV. The solution I (we) propose is: (This section will become your proposed legislation. Be sure to include what agency will implement your law, proposed cost if any and effective date) Be it enacted a federal law that no enclosed workplace will allow smoking within the indoor premises. In addition, new restrictions will be implemented regarding smoking sections in restaurants and bars. This law will be carried out by the Department of Health and Human Services. States that have already outlawed smoking in restaurants, bars, businesses, etc would be able to keep such policies. This law will go into effect on January 1, 2012.

V. I (we) think this solution will work because: (You must use factual information to prove your solution will work) While smoking programs are beneficial, a total ban would allow coworkers of smokers to be protected completely. While it is important that smokers quit, these programs could be offered in addition to the ban. Smoking is a choice, and nonsmokers should not be punished for the actions of their coworkers. In addition, stricter smoking regulations in restaurants would help to lessen the harmful effect of passive smoke on innocent restaurant patrons. The study of the Toronto smoking ban is clear evidence that health problems can be avoided with a ban, or just simple regulations. The health of millions of nonsmokers is at stake.

Bibliography:

Freudenheim, Milt. "Seeking Savings, Employers Help Smokers Quit." //New York Times (New York, NY)//. Oct. 26 2007: A1+. //SIRS Researcher.// Web. 17 Feb 2011.

Picard, Andre. "Smoking Ban Linked to Drop in Hospitalizations." //Globe and Mail (Toronto, Canada)//. 13 Apr 2010: A.1. //SIRS Researcher.// Web. 17 Feb 2011.