Lawmakers, Patient Groups to Celebrate 10-Year Smoke-Free Illinois Anniversary, Introduce ‘Tobacco 21’ Legislation
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Jan. 23, 2018 – The Illinois Coalition Against Tobacco will host a press conference to recognize the 10-year anniversary of Illinois’ comprehensive smoke-free air law and to encourage further efforts to improve tobacco control on Tuesday, Jan. 30.
WHO: State Rep. Melissa Conyears-Ervin (D-Chicago)
State Rep. Camille Lilly (D-Oak Park)
State Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan)
State Sen. Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield)
State Rep. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago)
Illinois Coalition Against Tobacco members
WHAT: Press conference on statewide “tobacco 21” legislation
WHERE: Illinois State Capitol, Blue Room
301 S. 2nd St., Springfield
WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 30
1 p.m.
WHY: More than 5,700 young people in Illinois become new daily smokers every year. The vast majority of smokers start before the age of 21, when the adolescent brain is particularly susceptible to nicotine. The National Institute of Medicine estimates raising the minimum age of tobacco sales to 21 years old would reduce smoking initiation by as much as 25 percent. Currently, more than 3 million Illinoisans live in the 13 cities and one unincorporated county that have adopted local “tobacco 21” ordinances.
About the Illinois Coalition Against Tobacco
The Illinois Coalition Against Tobacco (ICAT) is the only statewide organization committed to reducing tobacco use in Illinois by advocating for policies and programs that prevent youth from using tobacco products and help smokers quit. ICAT partners include the American Lung Association, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, Illinois Association of Family Physicians, Respiratory Health Association and Illinois Public Health Association.
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