HR0152 LRB094 10187 RXD 40454 r

1
HOUSE RESOLUTION

 
2     WHEREAS, More Americans die every year from
3 tobacco-related diseases than from AIDS, alcohol, car
4 accidents, fires, illegal drugs, murders, and suicides
5 combined; and
 
6     WHEREAS, The annual health care costs in Illinois directly
7 related to smoking is approximately $3.2 billion; and
 
8     WHEREAS, Of the $3.2 billion, Medicaid pays for
9 approximately $1.22 billion; and
 
10     WHEREAS, The number of children who are currently under the
11 age of 18 who will die prematurely due to smoking is estimated
12 to be 297,000; and
 
13     WHEREAS, Secondhand smoke is the third leading cause of
14 preventable death in the United States; and
 
15     WHEREAS, Individuals exposed to secondhand smoke in the
16 workplace are 34% more likely to develop lung cancer; and
 
17     WHEREAS, A non-smoker in a smoky restaurant can consume the
18 equivalent of 4 cigarettes in 2 hours; and
 
19     WHEREAS, An estimated 65,000 people die each year in the
20 United States from exposure to secondhand smoke, nearly 1,570
21 people in Illinois; and
 
22     WHEREAS, Comprehensive Cancer Planning efforts, in
23 collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health,
24 have identified promoting tobacco prevention initiatives as a
25 key priority area to reduce cancer incidence and mortality in
26 Illinois; therefore, be it
 

 

 

HR0152 - 2 - LRB094 10187 RXD 40454 r

1     RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE
2 NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that
3 we promise the American Cancer Society, Illinois Division Inc.,
4 that we will promote the health of all Illinois residents by
5 working to reduce the toll of tobacco on Illinoisans, and we
6 urge the Honorable Governor Rod Blagojevich to do the same; and
7 be it further
 
8     RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
9 delivered to the Governor of the State of Illinois.