SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Nov. 14, 2018 – Today, the Illinois State Senate overrode Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of legislation to raise the minimum age of tobacco sales to 21 years old. In response, Shana Crews, Illinois government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, issued the following statement:
“We’re deeply grateful for our senators’ commitment to youth health. A tobacco 21 law is the next step toward reducing the harm Big Tobacco has inflicted on our communities.
“For too long, the tobacco industry has uniquely targeted young people with the goal of replacing current customers who are dying from their products. With a tobacco 21 law, Illinois will help keep kids from becoming addicted to tobacco before they have a chance to grow up. Dozens of municipalities in our state have already passed this law, and it’s time for the entire state to get onboard.
“We urge the House of Representatives to follow our senators’ lead and override the governor’s veto. Our kids’ health can’t wait.”
About ACS CAN
ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.