If a statewide smoking ban gets to a vote in the Assembly — and that's a big if — Appleton Republican, Rep. Steve Wieckert believes it can pass. Assembly Republican leadership has said little about the ban, which passed a Senate committee Tuesday. But Wieckert, a strong proponent, remains optimistic, since the bill's been amended to accommodate the concerns of the Tavern League.
Also optimistic is Superior Democrat, Rep. Frank Boyle, who says the smoking ban could be the only meaningful legislation to come out of this session of the legislature. Boyle and Wieckert were the only Assembly members at Tuesday's Senate health committee vote on the smoking ban. Senators approved the measure 3-2, but amended it to allow taverns and restaurants a two year transition period.