Louisiana Tobacco Control Program

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Smokeless tobacco ban wins support

Publish date: May 20, 2008

Smokeless tobacco chewers took one on the chin Monday when the House voted 62-19 to ban tobacco products in the House chamber and offices.

Smoking is already banned in the State Capitol, including the House and Senate chambers.

Rep. Karen Peterson, D-New Orleans, offered the resolution that spells out the new ban on House property.

“I think this is a wonderful bill and I know you are going to save some people some money,” Rep. Frankie Howard, R-Hornbeck, told Peterson.

One of the few protesters was Rep. Sam Little, R-Bastrop, who described himself as a tobacco chewer.

“Do you want to drive me crazy?” Little asked Peterson.

Another tobacco chewer who has drawn notice is Gov. Bobby Jindal’s chief of staff, Timmy Teepell, who sometimes totes a cup with him while watching House proceedings.

“You know, we have some chewers up on the fourth floor,” said Rep. James Armes, D-Leesville, a reference to the floor in the capitol that houses many of the governor’s offices.

“Yes sir,” Peterson replied.