Dear Editor,
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other states have seen the wisdom behind higher tobacco taxes, particularly in these troubled times. In fact, more than 30 states tax cigarettes at a higher rate than Illinois.
Bottom line, the tobacco tax is the best, most politically palatable revenue option available to policymakers at this time. It generates cash now, saves healthcare costs down the road, andmost importantlyit saves lives.
Kate Clements Cohorst
American Heart Association,
Illinois Advocacy
Committee volunteer