SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – May 29, 2018 – Today, the Illinois House of Representatives struck down a bill to raise the minimum age of tobacco sales to 21 years old. Shana Crews, Illinois government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, released the following statement in response:
“Today marks a major missed opportunity for public health. Despite support from nearly two-thirds of Illinoisans, the House failed to help make Illinois the sixth ‘tobacco 21’ state in the country.
“A tobacco 21 law had the potential to reduce smoking rates in our state and ensure our kids live longer, healthier lives. We know the tobacco industry uniquely targets young people to replace consumers dying from their products, and too many of our children are becoming addicted before they even have a chance to grow up. But if kids don’t pick up a tobacco addiction during their vulnerable adolescent and teenage years, they’ll be less likely to do it when they’re 21.
“We’d like to thank our legislative champions, State Senator Julie Morrison and State Representative Camille Lilly, for their hard work on this lifesaving bill. But today’s loss does not mean failure. We will continue to champion this cause and advocate on behalf of all cancer patients, survivors and their families throughout the state.”
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.