Advocacy Project: Letter to Public Official

May 15th, 2009
Senator Amy Klobuchar
U.S. Senate
302 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

Senator Klobuchar,

I am writing to you because I am concerned about the health of children. Smoking has become a problem that not only affects the person who is smoking, but also effects innocent bystanders. Too often the innocent bystanders are the children of the parents who smoke. Second hand smoke is even more detrimental to a child's health because their developing lungs are more susceptible to damage. I realize that people have the right to smoke, but I feel that they do not have the right to make other people sick from it. According to American's for Nonsmokers' Rights (ANR), second hand smoking can have the following affects on children: low birth weight, higher rates of SIDS, cognitive impairments, respiratory problems, asthma, and other repercussions as an adult. Some even view smoking around children as child abuse. I feel that it is our responsibility to look out for their rights until they can. I read in an article from abc News "that the concentrations of tobacco smoke in cars will frequently be three to five times what they are in offices or in a bar". With this information, it seems obvious that something needs to be done. I feel that there should be a ban on parents smoking in the car with their children.

Other states such as California, Maine, Louisiana, and Arkansas have already passed laws on this exact issue, and it has gone over fairly well, even with parents who smoke. If it can work in other states, I feel that it will be able to work in Minnesota. I hope that you will write a piece of legislation that will ban smoking in cars with children. With your help, children will have a better chance of living a life without the consequences of second hand smoke. You can help make children healthier and happier.

Sincerely,

Sara H


Have a Great Day!!!