SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Nov. 28, 2018 – Today, the Illinois House of Representatives failed to override 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 disheartened that our representatives failed to support youth health. A tobacco 21 law would have been 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 could have kept 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 this was an opportunity to get the entire state on board.
“This fight isn’t over. ACS CAN will continue to work alongside our partner organizations and volunteers across the state to break Illinois’ tobacco addiction.”
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.