SPRINGFIELD – With tobacco use on the rise among teens for the first time in years, Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) is sponsoring a proposal to raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco to 21 years old.

“Smoke Free Illinois was a major step forward in improving the health of Illinoisans and making our state a better place to live,” Link said. “Tobacco 21 builds on that effort by reducing the number of teen smokers and curbing the next generation of adult smokers, moving us one step closer to a healthier, smoke-free Illinois.”

It has been more than 10 years since Link’s Smoke Free Illinois legislation banning smoking in most public places went in to effect. Since Smoke Free Illinois, there has been a 20 percent decrease in hospitalization of various smoking-related diseases. But with the advent of e-cigarettes, tobacco use among teenagers is on the rise for the first time in years.

“More than 90 percent of smokers start before the age of 21,” Link said. “We must do everything possible to curb teen use and protect the lives of adolescent Illinoisans. Tobacco 21 will help us do that.”

Limiting access to cigarettes has proven effective in reducing the rate of tobacco use among teens. In October 2014, Evanston became the first Illinois community to adopt Tobacco 21. Since then, tobacco use among high schoolers has dropped by 37.5 percent.

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SPRINGFIELD – A measure from Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) to make Illinois a leader in wireless technology advancements passed in the legislature this week.

“As technology continues to advance, it's important that we have the infrastructure in place to support those advancements,” Link said. “Small wireless facilities are an integral part of future 5G wireless networks. This measure will help ensure a smooth transition to 5G and allow Illinois to stay at the forefront of new wireless technology.”

Full 5G deployment projects are expected to create nearly 100,000 new jobs in Illinois and nearly $8.9 billion in network investments over seven years.

The legislation is the result of months of negotiations between Illinois municipal leaders, industry members and stakeholders in an attempt to streamline the process for constructing and regulating small wireless facilities and ensure the infrastructure is in place for wireless technology advancements.

Senate Bill 1451 now goes to the governor for approval.

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SPRINGFIELD – Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills) released the following statement in response to the measures passed in the Illinois Senate to address sexual harassment and discrimination:

“While the measures voted on today are a step in the right direction to address the issue of sexual harassment and discrimination in Illinois, it's important that we continue the conversation and recognize that more needs to be done to change the culture and eliminate sexual harassment for good.”

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SPRINGFIELD – Lake County flood victims whose property was damaged during this summer’s floods could receive a natural disaster tax credit thanks to a bill sponsored by Senator Terry Link (D-Vernon Hills).

“The hundred-year flooding of this past summer caused severe damage to thousands of Lake County properties,” Link said. “Residents are doing everything they can to rebuild their homes and businesses, but they need our help. This natural disaster tax credit will help victims get back on their feet by reducing the financial burden caused by the floods.”

Senate Bill 403 allows an income tax credit of up to $750 in counties where a state disaster proclamation was issued in July of this year. In order to qualify for the natural disaster income tax credit, individuals must own property and must have reported property damage to the appropriate authority. If an individual received an insurance reimbursement, they are not entitled to the tax credit.

State disaster proclamations were declared in the following counties in July 2017: Lake, Carroll, Cook, Henry, Jo Daviess, Kane, Lee, McHenry, Ogle, Rock Island, Stephenson and Whiteside.

The measure passed in the Senate today with strong bipartisan support.

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