Illinois becomes 1st state in Midwest to raise tobacco age to 21

07/08/2019

A new state law prohibits Illinois store owners from selling tobacco products and e-cigarettes to residents under the age of 21.

TAGS: cigarette tax, e-cigarettes, tobacco, Tobacco 21

Illinois becomes only state in Midwest to prohibit adults under 21 from buying tobacco

By Vincent Caruso

04/08/2019

“Tobacco 21” was vetoed by the former governor as a burden on stores, but the new governor just made Illinois the 11th state to tell young adults they may not buy tobacco products until they are 21.

TAGS: JB Pritzker, sales tax, smoking ban, taxes, tobacco, Tobacco 21

Illinois lawmakers rekindle efforts to raise tobacco purchase age to 21

By Vincent Caruso

01/29/2019

Lawmakers in the Illinois House of Representatives failed to override former Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of the “Tobacco 21” bill in November. Gov. Pritzker’s administration has signaled support.

TAGS: cigarette tax, JB Pritzker, tobacco, Tobacco 21

Illinois keeps 18 as legal age to buy smokes

11/29/2018

After narrowly clearing the Senate, the Illinois House of Representatives failed to override Gov. Rauner’s veto of a bill to make 21 the legal age to buy tobacco.

TAGS: Julie Morrison, tobacco, Tobacco 21

Senate narrowly overrides Rauner ‘Tobacco 21’ veto

By Vincent Caruso

11/15/2018

A bill that would raise the legal age to 21 for purchasing tobacco and e-cigarette products will return to the Illinois House of Representatives after Senate lawmakers overrode Gov. Rauner’s veto.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, Illinois Senate, Julie Morrison, smoking ban, tobacco, Tobacco 21

Lame ducks: What Illinois taxpayers should watch for in veto session

11/13/2018

Lawmakers, including 37 lame duck legislators, on Nov. 13 convened in Springfield for a veto session likely to feature political pensions and unfunded mandates.

TAGS: Bruce Rauner, fall veto, John Cullerton, Mike Madigan, municipal pensions, pensions, tobacco, Tobacco 21, veto

Rauner vetoes smoking ban for Illinoisans under 21

By Vincent Caruso

08/27/2018

Chicago’s legal smoking age of 21 would have been expanded statewide under the proposal.

TAGS: cigarette tax, Dan McConchie, e-cigarettes, Julie Morrison, smoking ban, tobacco, Tobacco 21

Illinois lawmakers pass bill raising legal age of tobacco, e-cigarette purchases to 21

By Vincent Caruso

05/30/2018

Pending the governor’s signature, the bill would expand Chicago’s smoking age restriction statewide.

TAGS: Julie Morrison, regulations, smoking ban, tobacco, Tobacco 21

Senate votes to ban tobacco products, e-cigarettes for Illinoisans under 21

By Vincent Caruso

05/04/2018

Pending the House’s vote and the governor’s signature, the bill would expand Chicago’s smoking age restriction statewide.

TAGS: cigarette tax, e-cigarettes, Julie Morrison, smoking ban, tobacco, Tobacco 21

Gas stations sue Chicago over arbitrary “flavored tobacco” restrictions

By Bryant Jackson-Green

11/12/2014

Government has plenty of tools at its disposal to fight teen smoking. Arbitrarily banning products based on geography shouldn’t be one of them.

TAGS: ordinance, regulations, tobacco

Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

Published June 3, 2025 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The best path to empowerment and success, especially for poor people, is work. Work allows us to prosper while providing dignity, upward mobility, the means to support ourselves and create value for others. It’s how we become thriving members of our community. Central to this process is our education...

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Beyond degrees: Empowering Illinoisans through career-first education

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Allan Luzbetak

Process for unionizing non-state workers raises red flags

CBS Chicago: Illinois’ highest-paid superintendent receives $400K per year to oversee 1,200 students