Greetings,

Please email State Senate President Murray and urge her to bring up for a vote HB 4346, a bill that would phase-out trans fat from Massachusetts restaurants.  The Senate goes into recess on July 31, 2008 so we only have 2 more days to make this happen.  She needs to hear from you TODAY!
  

Subject: Take Up HB 4346

Dear [decision maker name automatically inserted here],

As a resident of Massachusetts, I urge you to take up HB 4346, a bill that would phase out artificial trans fat in Massachusetts restaurants, before the Senate recess. As you may know, in early June, the Massachusetts State House passed HB 4346, sponsored by Representative Koutoujian, by an overwhelming majority.

Trans fat increases blood cholesterol and the risk of heart disease, the number-one cause of death for Americans. Harvard researchers recently estimated that each year trans fat has been causing 72,000 to 228,000 heart attacks, including roughly 50,000 fatal ones. For every year that Massachusetts waits to ban trans fat from restaurants, hundreds or thousands of residents will suffer fatal and non-fatal heart attacks. Those illnesses and deaths are unnecessary, and many could be prevented by passage of HB 4346.

Since January 2006, almost all packaged foods have been required to list the trans fat content on their Nutrition Facts labels. However, restaurants are exempt from such disclosure. Yet, Massachusetts residents are getting about one-third of their calories from restaurants and cafeterias, and many such foods contain high levels of trans fat. For instance, a KFC Chicken Pot Pie contains 14 grams of trans fat - 7 times the daily maximum intake!

Boston and Brookline have already passed trans fat phase-outs in restaurants. Soon, diners in those areas will be eating healthier foods. Shouldn't all of Massachusetts' residents be entitled to that healthier food?

According to the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), supplies of alternative, healthier oils have vastly increased over the last several years, and industry has the capability of meeting the needs as the demand increases. In addition, switching to trans fat-free oils does not increase costs - but it should cut health-care costs.

Organizations supporting this bill include the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Cardiology, the American Diabetes Association, the Center for Science in the Public Interest, Massachusetts Health Council, Massachusetts Hospital Association and MASSPIRG.

HB 4346 is an important way to protect Massachusetts citizens from heart disease and premature death. Thank you for your support and leadership.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]