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The second annual American Lung Association State of Tobacco Control: 2003 report has been released.  This analyzes state tobacco control laws in four key areas—smoke-free air, tobacco program funding, cigarette excise taxes and youth access to tobacco.  Illinois scored grades of  “F” in smoke-free air, "F" in tobacco prevention and control spending, and "F" in youth access to tobacco. After receiving a “B” last year, the state dropped one letter grade to a “C” for its cigarette excise tax.

In Illinois, more than 18,500 people die every year from tobacco use, and 37 percent of Illinois workers are still exposed to secondhand smoke in the workplace.  Tobacco use costs Illinois more than $3.2 billion a year in health care costs.   Tobacco is the number one preventable cause of death in Illinois and the American Lung Association report highlights how more we need to do more in this state to eliminate this major public health threat. 

Two areas that need immediate legislative action are increased funding for tobacco control programs and amending the outdated Illinois Clean Indoor Air Act. The tobacco control programs in Illinois need your help. It is critical that Illinois invest tobacco settlement dollars to prevent our children from becoming addicted to tobacco and help adult smokers quit for good. This is a sound investment that will save lives and reduce our state’s health care costs.