Legislation raising the age to buy cigarettes seemed to have been extinguished in the Illinois Senate last week. But it suddenly caught fire again as the Senate approved it today.
The measure's sponsor - John Mulroe of Chicago - says this time he found support from people who had been unsure about the measure or who weren't there to vote when it failed to pass earlier this month.
The legislation would move the legal age to buy cigarettes and e-cigarettes from eighteen years old to twenty-one.
Mulroe says fewer young people would die from smoking related illnesses if they have to wait three years to even start.
"In the last month, I heard from two nurses to talk about taking care of patients that couldn't breathe without the aid of oxygen tanks. Gasping for air--it's a terrible, horrible way to die,” Mulroe said.
Critics of the legislation say eighteen-year-olds are legally adults allowed to vote and enlist in the military. It's their decision to smoke or not.
The measure now moves to the House for consideration.?
