Add another six legislators to the bill that would ban smoking in Atlantic City casinos. Operators worry that such a law would have a deleterious financial impact at a time when the industry is just getting out from under Covid-19 restrictions.
State Senator Sandra Cunningham was among those who added her name to the bill, S264. She was the 16th senator to do so.
“The health of all New Jerseyans should be our priority, which is why I strongly support S264 to protect the health of Atlantic City casino workers,” said Cunningham.
“We applaud Senator Cunningham for recognizing that all New Jersey workers deserve a safe work environment—and that no one should be left behind,” said Cynthia Hallett, president, and CEO of Americans for Nonsmokers’ Rights. “This bill is more than ready for a hearing, and with a majority of the Senate Health Committee members already publicly supporting it, we know it will pass with flying colors.”
Said Pete Naccarelli, co-leader of Casino Employees Against Smoking’s Effects (CEASE), which has spearheaded casino workers thanked Cunningham. “We are grateful to Senator Cunningham for caring about our lives. How many more cancer diagnoses, heart attacks and other health ailments can we withstand before the legislature decides this is important enough to advance?”
Another five members of the state Assembly have also signed on to co-sponsor the corresponding A2151. They include:
- Assemblymember Mila Jasey
- Assemblymember Yvonne Lopez
- Assemblymember Annette Quijano
- Assemblymember John McKeon
- Assemblymember Gregory McGuckin
“I am cosponsoring A2151 because frontline casino workers should not be forced to spend their shifts inhaling secondhand smoke,” Jasey said. Not only is ending smoking inside casinos a matter of public health, but casinos in competing markets have adopted smokefree policies without negative impacts on their business.”
