Wisconsin gets 'F' in American Lung Association report

Shawn Doherty  —  1/13/2009 11:23 am

Gov. Jim Doyle warned Wisconsin lawmakers last year that the state would become the ashtray of the Midwest if they didn't pass the statewide smoking ban he was pushing.

They didn't. The ban, similar to laws enacted by neighbors Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota, was snuffed out in the State Senate.

A report released Tuesday by the American Lung Association appears to confirm Doyle's fears. The group's 2008 report card gave Wisconsin an F for failure to pass a smoke-free ordinance and adequately fund prevention programs, a C for not having a high enough cigarette tax, and a B for good, but not great cessation resources.

But the state is not an ashtray in some spots. The annual report card graded localities for the first time ever this year in a nod to the growing numbers of cities that are reacting to state inaction by passing their own smoke free ordinances. And a number of Wisconsin cities, including Madison, earned straight A's.

Take a look at the report card for yourself:

Legend for Local Smoke-free Ordinance Grading

10 categories with 4 points each for a high score of 40

A: 36-40 points

B: 32-35 points

C: 28-31 points

D: 24-27 points

F: 23 and below, or no ordinances at all. (Green Bay, Milwaukee, Racine, Sheboygan , Waukesha and Wisconsin Rapids receive an F because their ordinances are no stronger than state law.)

*I: "incomplete." These communities passed ordinances prior to Jan. 1, 2009 that had not taken effect prior to the evaluation.

1. Government Workplaces: Maximum 4 points if state and local government workplaces are 100 percent smokefree. Exemptions for any reason including a designated smoking lounge or area in the workplace lowers points. Bonus point if smokefree area extends to grounds around building.

2. Private Workplaces: 4 points completely smokefree. Exceptions for any reason including number of employees lower points. Bonus if ban covers grounds around building.

3. Schools: 4 points if law forbids smoking during school or campus activities. Score lowered if law enforced only during certain school hours.

4. Child Care Facilities: 4 points if no smoking, no exceptions, during operating hours.

5. Restaurants: 4 points if dining and bar areas are 100 percent smokefree. Bonus point if laws include outdoor seating areas.

6. Bars/Taverns: 4 points if law covers all bars and taverns, no exceptions, in a locality. Bonus point if policies also cover private clubs.

7. Retail stores: 4 points if completely smokefree, fewer points if law covers only some shops or shopping areas.

8. Recreational/Cultural Facilities: 4 points if all facilities included. Exceptions, including designated smoking areas, would lower score.

9. Penalties: 4 points if smokers, proprietors and employers in violation of laws are subject to strict penalties and fines. Score lower for weaker penalties. Bonus if fines increase for repeat offenders.

10. Enforcement: 4 points if law requires both warning signs and an authority to enforce it. Lower score if law meets only one of these objectives. Bonus point if enforcer conducts regular compliance inspections.

Shawn Doherty  —  1/13/2009 11:23 am