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American Lung Association-Illinois Favors Higher Cigarette Taxes
The American Lung Association recently released its report card for Illinois, and it's not very good.

Illinois fared well in one area and miserably in others. The ALA gives the state an "A" in the smoke-free air category because of the smoking ban in public places that went into effect in January of last year. But, Illinois also gets an "F" for prevention and control spending, a "D" in tobacco taxation and a "C" for coverage of quitting programs.

Senator Jeff Schoenberg wants legislation that would increase the state's cigarette tax by a dollar starting in September, which would bring it to $1.98 a pack. Schoenberg says a cigarette tax hike has a better chance of passing this year.

"Senate President John Cullerton has long been a champion of this issue, and I'm looking forward to his new leadership opening up doors for making further progress on this issue."

Kathy Drea, director of public policy for the American Lung Association-Illinois, says the state tax on cigarettes now is too low and she wants a big hike.

Schoenberg says the tax increase will turn some people away from smoking in successive years and could raise over $300-million for healthcare programs.
02 03 09 by Newsroom
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