By Laura Weber, Michigan Public Radio Network
LANSING, MI – LANSING, MI (MPRN) - The state House has voted for a workplace smoking ban that exempts casinos and smoke shops.
Most of the no votes came from GOP lawmakers who expressed concern over a loss of business for restaurants and bars. But some of the no votes came from members on both sides of the aisle who said the only acceptable ban is a total ban with no exemptions. The Senate rejected a similar proposal last year when it voted for a total ban.
But lawmakers from both parties and both chambers say they think the votes are in the Senate to pass this bill. State Senate Majority Leader Mike Bishop has indicated he won't block the wishes of his caucus if they want to vote for the ban.