HR0152 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0152 LRB094 10187 RXD 40454 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, More Americans die every year from tobacco-related diseases than from AIDS, alcohol, car accidents, fires, illegal drugs, murders, and suicides combined; and

WHEREAS, The annual health care costs in Illinois directly related to smoking is approximately $3.2 billion; and

WHEREAS, Of the $3.2 billion, Medicaid pays for approximately $1.22 billion; and

WHEREAS, The number of children who are currently under the age of 18 who will die prematurely due to smoking is estimated to be 297,000; and

WHEREAS, Secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Individuals exposed to secondhand smoke in the workplace are 34% more likely to develop lung cancer; and

WHEREAS, A non-smoker in a smoky restaurant can consume the equivalent of 4 cigarettes in 2 hours; and

WHEREAS, An estimated 65,000 people die each year in the United States from exposure to secondhand smoke, nearly 1,570 people in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Comprehensive Cancer Planning efforts, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health, have identified promoting tobacco prevention initiatives as a key priority area to reduce cancer incidence and mortality in Illinois; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we promise the American Cancer Society, Illinois Division Inc., that we will promote the health of all Illinois residents by working to reduce the toll of tobacco on Illinoisans, and we urge the Honorable Governor Rod Blagojevich to do the same; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Governor of the State of Illinois.