American Lung Association Applauds Lung Health and Air Quality Budget Programs in Illinois Budget

The American Lung Association applauds the Illinois General Assembly and Governor Pritzker for including key lung health and clean air programs in the Fiscal Year 25 state budget, which begins on July 1.

“We are thrilled to see significant commitments in the budget to lung health prevention and clean air programs,” said Kristina Hamilton, Illinois Director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association. “These investments in lung health prevention programs and zero emission vehicle infrastructure are critical to decrease lung-related diseases and secure a future with clean air for all in Illinois.”

The key investments from the budget and budget implementation bills, Senate Bill 251 and House Bill 4959, respectively, that the American Lung Association support include:
 

• $2 million in funding for cancer prevention grants, including lung cancer
• $11.1 million for tobacco prevention and control programs
• $3 million for asthma prevention programs
• $2.75 million for stock asthma medication in schools
• $24.8 million for the state purchase of government electric vehicles and the associated charging infrastructure through the Department of Central Management Services
•  $14.6 million for the Electric Vehicle Rebate Program that provides residents with up to a $4,000 rebate for the purchase of an electric vehicle, and the creation of the new Fleet Electrification Incentive Program that creates a tiered rebate for heavy-duty trucks or school buses fleets for up to $120,000 for electric-powered
• $18.3 million for compliance and implementation of Clean Air Act Title V activities, which is used to enhance air quality planning and emissions controls activities

Chronic lung disease affects more than 1.4 million Illinoisans, including 160,000 children with asthma.  Tobacco use kills about 18,000 Illinoisans each year, contributing to lung cancer remaining the leading cause of cancer deaths. These state funds are critical to improving lung health and preventing early death.

The investments also come after, last month, the American Lung Association 25th annual State of the Air report for Illinois found that five counties received a failing grade for ozone pollution (“smog”), with the Chicago metro area ranking 17th worst in the nation for average number of unhealthy air quality days. Ozone pollution can cause premature death and other serious health effects such as asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, preterm births, and impaired cognitive functioning later in life.

For media interested in speaking with an expert, contact Janye Killelea at [email protected] or call (312) 940-7624.