Senator Durbin Commends Illinois for Winning ANR Smokefree Challenge Award

Publication Date: 2007-03-15

Last year, a record breaking 36 Illinois cities and counties enacted smokefree laws, more than any other state in the nation. In doing so, Illinois has taken a firm stance against the devastating consequences that smoking has on our communities.

The 2006 Surgeon General's Report, "The Health Consequences of Involuntary Exposure to Tobacco Smoke," concluded that smoking rooms and ventilation systems cannot protect people from secondhand smoke. The report reaffirmed previous health findings that secondhand smoke causes heart disease, cancer, respiratory problems, and even death.

I am honored to acknowledge the tireless efforts of public health advocates and state legislators who helped make it possible. Before 2005, Illinois communities were preempted from passing local laws. Now, the local community has the right to deal with this important issue and help improve the health of millions of Illinoisans. The following communities have enacted smokefree laws in the state:

Arlington Heights
Barrington
Bedford Park
Bloomington
Buffalo Grove
Burr Ridge
Champaign
Chicago
Cook County
Deerfield
DeKalb
Elk Grove Village
Evanston
Hawthorn Woods
Highland Park
Hinsdale
Hoffman Estates
Lake Forest
Libertyville
Lincolnshire
Lindenhurst
Long Grove
McLean County
Mt. Prospect
Normal
Northbrook
Oak Forest
Oak Park
Orland Park
Palatine
Park Ridge
Rolling Meadows
Sangamon County
Schaumburg
Skokie
Springfield
Tinley Park
Urbana
Vernon Hills
Wheaton
Wilmette

Again, I extend my deepest congratulations to the citizens of Illinois, who now can breathe a little easier.