Cigarette Buyers Pay Now Or YOU Pay Later!

Tobacco-related illnesses drain $4 billion annually from our state's economy. And every year taxpayers like you are on the hook for reimbursing billions in smoking-related healthcare costs through programs like Medicaid. Of course, the same taxpayers get soaked again when they have to cover their own skyrocketing health insurance premiums.

Please follow the link below to contact your legislators to ask them to make sure cigarette buyers pay their fair share of the cost associated with the use of that product. Urge them to increase our tobacco tax in Illinois by $1.

$1 Saves Thousands...in Cash and Lives in Illinois

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.

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.

With our state in dire financial straits, now is the time. Send your message today!

$1 Saves Thousands...in Cash and Lives in Illinois

Thank you for your help on this issue.