SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) issued the following statement after the Senate voted to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of legislation raising the age to legally buy tobacco products to 21:

“We took a step today that we know, based on evidence from other states and communities in our own states, will reduce the rates of smoking among high school students.

“The dangers of cigarettes have been well-known for decades, and teens are even more at risk with the increasing popularity of vaping products.

“This is legislation that could prevent teenagers and young adults from ever picking up a cigarette, which could literally save their lives.”