Cigarette smoking results in more than 16,000 Illinois deaths per year, and more than 2,000 deaths due to exposure to secondhand smoke. As the Illinois House of Representatives considers its decision on a $1-per-pack cigarette-tax increase, now is the time to take advantage of this public-health opportunity to reduce smoking-related death and illness in Illinois while raising $700 million to assist with Medicaid. Illinois’ cigarette tax currently ranks 32nd among all states. Increasing the tax in other states has proven effective in reducing smoking-related death and illness, with the added benefit of raising revenue for the state. With Illinois’ annual smoking-related health care costs estimated at $4.10 billion, and an additional $4.35 billion in lost productivity, a $1 tax increase on cigarettes will result in fewer smokers and decreased health care costs.
Specifically, a tax increase will keep cigarettes out of the hands of Illinois children. A $1 increase in the tax rate is expected to reduce youth smoking by 12.5 percent, resulting in 70,000 fewer children in Illinois becoming addicted smokers. Furthermore, it will result in more than 50,000 current adult smokers quitting, with savings of $18.07 million over five years due to reduced smoking-related heart attacks and strokes.
Illinois voters recognize the importance of this measure, with recent polls showing 74 percent in favor of raising the tax. The evidence is clear: Increased cigarette taxes save lives. It is time for Illinois to take this important action to reduce cigarette smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
— Dr. Manuel P.A. Claudio, Inverness, former board chair, Respiratory Health Association
