March 27, 2007

Editor

Your Hub

Each year on March 31, people from all over the country join together in celebration of Cesar Chavez Day to commemorate his birthday and the accomplishments of one of our nation's great leaders. Chavez dedicated his entire life to the fight for worker's rights, and by standing up for what he believed in, Chavez made a significant impact on the plight of the common worker. His diligence and leadership empowered workers everywhere to stand up and fight for fairness in the workplace.

The fight for workers' rights is not over. In the spirit of Cesar Chavez and in honor of all Colorado workers, I'm writing in support of the Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act. It is a vital measure for protecting our workers from the harmful effects of secondhand tobacco smoke. Prior to the smoke-free law, workers at many establishments were involuntarily exposed to harmful toxins in the air at their place of work. Now, the smoke-free law protects a worker's right to be healthy and work in a safe environment.

Colorado is now part of a nationwide trend toward smoke-free living, in which one out of every two Americans lives and works in a smoke-free area. Being smoke-free promotes a healthier work force and is an important step forward in protecting worker's rights in our state.

We must continue to hold true to the spirit of Cesar Chavez and fight for workers rights to breathe clean air. The Colorado Clean Indoor Air Act is an important first step to insuring that right, but there is still more work to be done.

Erin Carrell, MA

Tobacco Prevention Initiative

Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment