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Funding sources typically outline that funds can be used for education and advocacy; however, funds cannot be used for lobbying. There is often confusion as to what activities fit the definition of advocacy and which are lobbying. It is important for organizations to know the difference as failure to follow restrictions can result in many consequences, including a loss of funding.

In short, lobbying is an activity meant to influence legislation. According to the IRS, legislation includes action by Congress, any state legislature, any local council, or similar governing body, with respect to acts, bills, resolutions, or similar items, or by the public in referendum, ballot initiative, constitutional amendment, or similar procedure.  It does not include actions by executive, judicial, or administrative bodies. An organization will be regarded as attempting to influence legislation if it contacts, or urges the public to contact, members or employees of a legislative body for the purpose of proposing, supporting, or opposing legislation, or if the organization advocates the adoption or rejection of legislation.

In July 2012, the CDC released guidance on anti-lobbying restrictions for CDC grantees, including recipients of Community Transformation Grant funds.  To view this document, click here.  The Network for Public Health Law has created a helpful presentation titled Education, Advocacy and Lobbying. To view the presentation, click here.

Last year was filled with hard work and progress for the Smoke Free Lowcountry Coalition (SFLC) and its many members, volunteers and advocates in the Charleston tri-county region.

 

Early in 2012, a city council dispute over whether to continue "grandfathering" the lone cigar bar in the City of Charleston led to a proposal to create an exemption to allow additional cigar bars. SFLC and its partners worked hard to successfully oppose the amendment.

 

The next big effort was a hard fought campaign to educate on the benefits of smoke-free workplaces in the unincorporated areas of Charleston County. A smoke-free workplace measure passed, with a strong majority on county council, to become the state's 49th ordinance. 

 

Next up was the City of North Charleston. Unfortunately, the proposed ordinance fell short by one vote and council passed a resolution acknowledging the serious health hazards of secondhand smoke and urging area businesses to go smoke-free voluntarily. SFLC will continue to fight for smoke-free indoor workplaces to protect all workers and all members of the public.  In the meantime, they are encouraging area businesses to go smoke-free voluntarily.

 

Two other initiatives started in late 2012 and passed in early January. The Medical University of South Carolina led an effort to expand the smoke-free areas around its campus and those of nearby hospitals. Charleston City Council passed the measure on January 8, 2013. On the same day, the City of Goose Creek passed a second and final reading of a smoke-free indoor workplace ordinance. 

  

No dull moments in 2012, and SFLC and its partners, volunteers and advocates intend to keep the ball rolling in 2013. Be on the lookout for their billboards in Dorchester County - "Smoke Free Dorchester County" and "It's About Health, It's About Time" - as they focus efforts there, next.

 

To visit SFLC's website, click on their logo.

Information provided by Bill Settlemyer, SFLC President.

Less than two months after Lancaster County Council voted to adopt a smoke-free indoor workplace law, the City of Goose Creek followed suit on January 8, 2013.  The vote made Goose Creek the state's 51st smoke-free community!  The ordinance will take effect on July 1, 2013.  To view a list of smoke-free communities, please click here. 

• Just released! ALA's State of Tobacco Control 2013 Report. Learn more.
• Legacy releases report: Tobacco Control in LGBT Communities. Read more.
• The 2012 Edition of America's Health Rankings is now available. Read more.
• Findings published on estimated secondhand smoke infiltration in multiunit housing. Read more. 
• Federal Court upholds Providence, RI measures to reduce youth tobacco sales. Read more.

The S.C. Tobacco-Free Collaborative is a statewide non-profit organization. Have a question about tobacco use, policy or activities in your community? Contact Megan Hicks at megan@smokefreesc.org or 803-251-0130.