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Tonight: Reception celebrates 15th anniversary of Smoke-Free Illinois Act

Lawmakers reflect on smoke-free movement, look ahead to ensure Illinoisans continue to breathe clean, fresh air

CHICAGO, IL | February 8, 2023

Tonight, a legislative reception will be held in Springfield to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Smoke-Free Illinois Act.

The measure went into effect January 1, 2008, and prohibits smoking in most buildings and vehicles used by the public, used as a place of employment, or owned by the government or other public body.

Illinois has seen significant declines in the smoking rate and exposure to secondhand smoke in indoor public places since the enactment of the Smoke-Free Illinois Act.

Illinois lawmakers, health leaders and community members who helped pass the landmark law will be in attendance. U.S. Senator Dick Durbin sent the following message via video recognizing the law’s anniversary and the importance of addressing the threat of electronic cigarettes.

Tonight’s reception will be held at Arlington’s at 210 Broadway, in Springfield from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. The American Cancer Society, Cancer Action Network, American Heart Association, American Lung Association, Delta Dental Illinois, Illinois Academy of Family Physicians, and Respiratory Health Association are hosting the reception. The event will not only celebrate this milestone in Illinois, it will highlight the ongoing need to strengthen and protect clean indoor air laws.

Among the notables scheduled to speak at tonight’s reception are:
  • Cook County Clerk Karen Yarbrough (former State Representative, 2001-2012) – sponsored the Smoke-Free Illinois Act in the House
  • Former Senate President John Cullerton (former State Representative, 1979-1991; former State Senator 1991-2020) – led passage of the Smoke-Free Illinois Act in the Senate
  • State Representative Camille Lilly (D-78th district)
  • Senator Julie Morrison (D-29th district)
The Smoke-Free Illinois Act’s 15th anniversary is a proud milestone for the State and helps to ensure Illinoisans continue to breathe clean, fresh air.

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About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events.

For more information, contact:

James A. Martinez
(312) 445-2501
[email protected]

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