Indiana lawmakers continue their interim study committee work this week, including sessions addressing some high-profile issues. On Wednesday, the Health Finance Commission is set to discuss an overdue statewide ban on smoking in all workplaces.

Advocates of smoke-free air rightly want to see a comprehensive state law replace the patchwork of local smoking bans. They cite sound research to support improved health and lower health-care costs. Earlier attempts to pass a statewide ban have been unsuccessful.

Reps. Dick Dodge, R-Pleasant Lake, and Win Moses, D-Fort Wayne, are members of the panel.

The panel cannot adopt such a law but should recommend the General Assembly help Indiana join the 21st century and ban public smoking.

Also Wednesday, a panel studying drivers’ education will continue discussion. At a meeting last month, lawmakers were presented with figures to suggest that young drivers who do not participate in drivers’ education have fewer accidents than those who do. This week they will hear information on curriculum standards, access to training and more on the effectiveness of training.

Council talks trash

The proposed garbage and recycling contract with National Serv-All has been in the news much in recent weeks, but today will mark the first time City Council members, who must approve any contract, will discuss it.

Elements of the contract that will make recycling easier and competitive prices that could well result in the first-ever reduction of the city’s monthly trash fee have deservedly been praised. But council members need city officials to justify the seven-year length of the contract – a time period during which many conditions could change.

A council vote is likely next week.

EACS finances

Residents within East Allen County Schools have their chance to comment on the district’s proposed 2011 budget at today’s board meeting. During the public hearing, administrators and board members will receive public comments on the budget, the district’s capital projects plan and the bus-replacement plan.

Superintendent Karyle Green is also expected to offer information about school-by-school costs, data that could be key as board members consider which schools it plans to close as part of a districtwide reform expected for the 2011-12 school year.

Hunger meeting

Community Harvest Food Bank will host a town hall meeting Thursday to focus on the issue of hunger in northeast Indiana. A panel will address how it affects education, health and the economy.

The meeting will also address federal and state roles in hunger relief. The Indiana General Assembly approved a $300,000 allocation in the last biennial budget to support Indiana food banks, but the administration has yet to distribute the money.

Community Harvest announced a major capital campaign last week.

Buy local

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is asking Hoosiers to observe “Going Local Week” by eating at least one Indiana-grown or -processed food at each meal through Saturday.

One of the easier ways to participate is to buy food at one of the proliferating farmers’ markets.

Another might be to visit a Hoosier winery.