As Holidays Approach, 49th Great American Smokeout® Calls for Renewed Commitment to Help Americans Quit Tobacco
This Thursday, the American Cancer Society will host the 49th annual Great American Smokeout.
Bill Allowing Smoking Back in Wisconsin Bars on its Way to the Governor’s Desk
Public health groups and advocates urge Governor Evers to veto this bill to keep Wisconsin’s Smoke-Free air law strong
November 18, 2025
MADISON, Wis., – Today, the Wisconsin Senate passed Assembly Bill 211, a bill that moves us in the wrong direction by rolling back our strong statewide smoke-free air law - a long-held public health standard that protects Wisconsinites. Volunteer advocates from across Wisconsin, as well as the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), American Lung Association and American Heart Association– three of Wisconsin’s leading patient advocacy organizations – urge the Governor to protect the state’s Smoke-Free Air Law and veto Assembly Bill 211.
“This bill creates a significant loophole in Wisconsin’s Indoor Smoke-Free Air Law and is more harmful than it looks. Your favorite neighborhood bar could soon be filled with smoke from cigars, brown cigarettes, hookah, and pipes said Sara Sahli, Wisconsin government relations director for ACS CAN.
“Our current law is clear, strong, easy to enforce, and wildly popular with over 70% of Wisconsinites supporting,” said Molly Collins, advocacy director for the American Lung Association.
“Throughout this process, the hundreds of messages from health advocates to Wisconsin’s lawmakers were clear, ‘please keep our smoke-free air law clear and strong, oppose Assembly Bill 211,’” said Nicole Hudzinski, Wisconsin government relations director for the American Heart Association.
This legislation has passed both chambers and now heads to the Governor’s desk. Patients and advocates are urging the governor to veto the bill.
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About the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
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