New Report Reveals Illinois Must Focus on Increasing Funding for Tobacco Prevention and Quit Smoking Programs to Reduce Death and Disease from Tobacco Use

American Lung Association “State of Tobacco Control” report releases Illinois grades for tobacco control policies, outlines steps to reduce burden of tobacco

A new report from the American Lung Association urges Illinois lawmakers to focus on increasing funding for tobacco prevention and quit smoking programs to reduce the overwhelming human and financial burden of tobacco use. The 2025 “State of Tobacco Control” report evaluates state and federal policies on actions taken to eliminate tobacco use and recommends proven-effective tobacco control laws and policies to prevent nicotine dependence and protect kids.

 

In the 2025 report, Illinois received the following grades:

  1. Funding for State Tobacco Prevention Programs – Grade F
  2. Strength of Smokefree Workplace Laws – Grade A
  3. Level of State Tobacco Taxes – Grade C
  4. Coverage and Access to Services to Quit Tobacco – Grade A
  5. Ending the Sale of All Flavored Tobacco Products – Grade F

 

“In addition to grading Illinois’ tobacco control policies, this year’s ‘State of Tobacco Control’ report examines the tobacco industry’s increasingly aggressive actions to addict a new generation to nicotine and hinder proven public policies to prevent and reduce tobacco use,” said Kristina Hamilton, Director of Advocacy at the American Lung Association in Illinois. “Here in Illinois, we are seeing industry lobbyists working to stop or weaken proven effective policies. The industry is also appealing to youth by introducing new products like e-cigarettes that mimic smartphones, kid-friendly flavors, and flavored nicotine pouches that are heavily marketed by social media influencers.”
 

Hamilton added: “In 2025, policymakers in Illinois must focus on increasing the budget for tobacco prevention and quit smoking programs, which can be funded by ensuring tax parity among all tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and cigarettes.”

 

Despite receiving $964.9 million from tobacco settlement payments, tobacco taxes and other state funding, Illinois only funds tobacco control efforts at 9.1 percent of the level recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Lung Association urges Governor J.B. Pritzker and the legislature to increase funding for tobacco prevention and quit smoking programs.

The 2025 “State of Tobacco Control” report urges Congress to provide additional funding to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) so they can enforce against and remove all illegal e-cigarettes the tobacco industry has introduced to the market.
 

Federal Grades Overview

The 2025 “State of Tobacco Control” report grades the federal government in five areas:

  • Federal Government Regulation of Tobacco Products – Grade C
  • Federal Coverage of Quit Smoking Treatments – Grade D
  • Level of Federal Tobacco Taxes – Grade F
  • Federal Mass Media Campaigns to Prevent and Reduce Tobacco Use – Grade: A
  • Federal Minimum Age of Sale for Tobacco Products to 21 – Grade: A

 

To learn more about this year’s “State of Tobacco Control” grades and sign the petition, visit Lung.org/sotc.

 

Get involved and help the mission of the American Lung Association. The Fight For Air Climb Oakbrook Terrace is coming up on March 9. For more information, and to register, visit FightForAirClimb.org/Oakbrook.

 

State grades in “State of Tobacco Control” reflect actions taken by elected officials and do not reflect on the hard work of state tobacco control programs or advocates.

 

Media Resources:

For more information, contact:

Janye Killelea
312-940-7624
[email protected]

Freedom From Smoking Clinic - Richmond, VA
Richmond, VA | Jan 06, 2025
Asthma Basics Workshop
Jacksonville, FL | Feb 19, 2025