SPRINGFIELD, IL –Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan) is sponsoring legislation that will require “roll your own” (RYO) cigarette machines to be taxed equal to cigarette manufacturers.
 

RYO machines use loose pipe tobacco which is taxed lower in Illinois (18% wholesale price) than cigarettes ($0.98 per pack).  In addition, cigarettes produced by these machines do not comply with state regulations concerning warning labels or fire standards.

“By not taxing RYO machines, the State of Illinois could be losing up to $2.2 million in revenue that could help fund education or pay down our backlog of bills,” said Senator Terry Link.  “By using these machines, there is a growing disadvantage to legitimate retailers and manufacturers who are paying their taxes.” 
 

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SPRINGFIELD, IL –Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan) was pleased to hear about the Governor’s continued commitment to creating jobs in Illinois, but noted that without economic increases Illinois is going to continue to face the situation that has repeated itself in recent years.
 

“I agree with the Governor that we need to continue to invest in children through continue to fund early childhood education programs.  Without this early start, children may not be prepared for elementary school and these types of programs can make the difference between a child succeeding or struggling later in their educational career.”

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SPRINGFIELD— A measure that will help to protect victims of crime and their families by better informing them on the status and details of their case was sent to the Governor this week.
 

Senate Bill 1043, sponsored by Senator Terry Link (D-Waukegan), makes a change to the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act, and requires law enforcement to notify a victim, or the family of the victim when a closed case has been reopened.

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