Atlantic City casino smoking opponents form political action committee
Atlantic Casino smog opponents are increasing their lobbying power and influence in New Jersey by forming a political action committee (PAC).
CEASE (Casino Employees Against the Effects of Smoking) said it plans to form a PAC. The news follows a U-turn by state lawmakers in Trenton in supporting legislation that would force nine Atlantic City casinos to ban smoking.
Current law allows casinos to dedicate a quarter of their gaming floor to tobacco use. CEASE members say they, like nearly all other workers in New Jersey, are long overdue for a clean indoor workplace.
The grassroots coalition is very upset that Sen. Vince Polistina (R-Atlantic) has changed his position. Polistina, who initially supported CEASE and legislation to end the casino smoking disparity created by the state's 2006 Smoke-Free Air Act, said the state should give casinos time to find solutions for customers who don't want to be exposed to passive Smoking workers.
Casinos say there are other solutions besides a complete ban on smoking. They came up with the idea of creating enclosed smoking rooms where slot machines could operate and eliminate the need for employees unwilling to work in these areas.
Anti-smoking PAC formed
CEASE will formally register its PAC with the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission in the coming weeks.
Transitioning from a grassroots coalition to a political action committee will allow CEASE to raise funds and make political contributions to legislators and candidates who support its mission. Polistina may not receive any funding from CEASE PAC.
Vince Polistina has proven himself untrustworthy. After attending our first rally in August 2021...and advocating for us every step of the way, he is now copying talking points from casino executives and trying to present them as solid solutions. It’s disgraceful and disgusting,” said Pete Naccarelli, co-founder of Atlantic City tabletop gaming retailer CEASE.
"[Polistina] has now chosen to be a front for casinos instead of a champion for voters. Don't be fooled. He is not committed to protecting our health," Naccarelli said.
A "CEASE" supporter lit up a cigarette during the New Jersey Senate Health, Human Services and Seniors Committee's consideration this week of Senate Bill 264, a measure that would ban smoking in casinos. He was escorted out of the state House before speaking to committee members.
"Aren't we allowed to smoke here? "Aren't you allowed to smoke in your workplace? "The man asked. "But you can smoke in our workplace. "
The Future of Casino Smoking
State Sen. Joe Vitale (D-Middlesex) is confident his bill, S264, will pass when the new state Legislature is sworn in in January. Democrats, who appear to be more supportive of the smoking ban, will retain control of the House and Senate.
CEASE hopes the new Senate makeup will bring more support for clean air at casinos.
For the past two and a half years, we have been building employee power, as thousands of Atlantic City casino employees came together to fight for our lives. We are all new to politics. But we have recognized that pressure and accountability are critical, and we plan to form a new political action committee to support those who support us – no matter the odds,” Naccarelli said.
"We are fighting for our lives and will work on all fronts to pass this law to end indoor smoking in the workplace," Naccarelli concluded.
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Source: www.casino.org
