Smoking is a leading risk factor for heart disease, and the American Heart Association urges the Illinois General Assembly to increase the state's cigarette tax by a dollar per pack as part of a responsible budget. Increasing our tobacco tax will bring in much-needed revenue while providing vital public health benefits. With our state in dire financial straits, now is the time.
Follow the link below to contact your legislators to urge them to increase our tobacco tax in Illinois by $1:
$1 Saves Thousands...in Cash and Lives for Illinois
Each year, smoking kills more than 16,500 Illinoisans. Yet 20 percent of our population smokes, and kids are still picking up this dangerous habit. Almost 9 percent of Illinois middle school children smoke. According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the single most effective measure to prevent kids from starting to smoke is to significantly increase the cost of a pack of cigarettes. Higher costs also compel current smokers to quit, particularly in a recession.
This action will save more than 50,000 Illinois residents from premature smoking-related death and ultimately reduce our state's health care costs. Tobacco-related illnesses drain $4 billion annually from our state's economy.
Send your message today!
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