'Tobacco 21' should be law statewide

This month, a twenty-third city joined the list of communities in Illinois with "Tobacco 21" laws. I think it's time to make this a statewide law, and I'm asking Rep. David Olson from the 81st District to support it.

We all know that tobacco products are deadly and that the tobacco industry specifically targets young people to buy their products. But if we can keep kids from picking up tobacco before they turn 21, they will be less likely to begin an addiction later in life. In fact, in 2015 the Institute of Medicine predicted that raising the national minimum age of tobacco sales to 21 years old would reduce smoking by 12 percent.

With Illinois' above-average high school smoking rate, just think about how many lives we could save. So many young people are beginning tobacco addictions before they even have a chance to grow up. It's time for our entire state to prioritize youth health and raise the minimum age of tobacco sales.

Rep. Olson, there are just a few days left in the legislative session. I urge you to help ensure Tobacco 21 becomes law in Illinois.

Mike Jostes

Aurora