IL & IA Advocacy Director for @LungAssociation (tweets are my own) | Proud child of an immigrant | Born & bred in the DMV | 🎓UVA, UIC | Adopted by Chicago
Thank you @wttw for having me on Chicago Tonight to discuss the @US_FDA's lifesaving proposed rules to prohibit the sale of #menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars.
The Food and Drug Administration said eliminating menthol cigarettes could prevent between 300,000 and 650,000 smoking deaths over 40 years.
https://t.co/RLHV6T2eP1
I am deeply honored to address a Joint Session of the Illinois General Assembly, the place where my time in public service all began.
Watch my remarks LIVE at the link below at 12PM CT / 1PM ET:
https://t.co/YfyrKFJ6dM
It's a dark day for science & health. Repealing the Endangerment Finding and clean vehicle standards will worsen air pollution, fuel climate disasters and harm lung health. We will use every tool available to defend clean air and a safe climate for all. https://t.co/IfLV9DxS8M
✅BREAKING: The House has passed a bipartisan bill to extend enhanced #healthcare#taxcredits for 3 years. We urge the Senate to follow suit and finalize a deal to keep coverage affordable for millions.
Read our full statement: https://t.co/f7Jl5WNMOP #LungHealth
⚠️Chicagoans, this is urgent❗The City of #Chicago has a critical opportunity to protect #lunghealth and advance #environmentaljustice. Contact your alderperson TODAY to ask them to support the Cumulative Impacts Ordinance: https://t.co/8F1aZdKLi6
📢 Our 8th annual State of Lung Cancer report is here! The report shows progress, but also alarming gaps in lung cancer survival, screening and treatment across the U.S. 💙 Share this post to raise awareness and find the full report at: https://t.co/bmDWYaI94Y
BREAKING: The Illinois General Assembly passed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act, which includes an investment of over $1.5 billion in transit and critical reforms to ensure transit agencies deliver a coordinated, cost-efficient service! https://t.co/4DbDg83zTt
Today is Respiratory Advocacy Day! Lung Health Champions are urging Congress to improve oxygen access, extend healthcare credits & protect CDC programs.
Thanks to Premier sponsors @AstraZeneca, @Pfizer, @SanofiUS & @Regeneron + Champion sponsor @Merck
🫁 https://t.co/jk4YGMhqJc
Thank you @DrJuanitaMora & @fox32news for this important coverage about #lungcancer risks & early detection! IL: Please visit https://t.co/yr1Q9XDtYE to learn more ab FREE lung cancer screenings. "Lung cancer risks beyond smoking: What you need to know" https://t.co/2Y6Wz3Rjps
Today, @EPA announced a proposal to overrule the #EndangermentFinding, the longstanding, science-based finding that #greenhousegases harms human health and welfare >> https://t.co/AgFTH7N0oI
The City of Chicago Department of Environment remains firmly committed to fighting the deregulatory actions proposed today by the US EPA. See the full statement from DOE Commissioner Angela Tovar in the image below.
🚨The Senate just passed a bill that guts healthcare and clean air protections. Now it’s the House’s turn to vote. Tell your Representative: ❌VOTE NO❌ https://t.co/Vny52fSCNJ
#ProtectMedicaid#ProtectCleanAir
I am heartbroken and horrified by the tragic loss of Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were taken from us in an act of violence.
Melissa was a good friend and we started in politics at the same time and were always there for each other. She was a true public servant to the core, dedicating her life to serving Minnesotans with integrity and compassion. Melissa’s legacy will endure, but today we grieve deeply. John’s and my prayers are with their children, their loved ones, and all who are mourning this devastating loss.
Kristi Noem planned a press conference at the Governor’s mansion in Springfield today to lie about bipartisan public safety laws.
So @GovPritzker made sure to share a reminder with her about following our nation’s laws.
She ended up choosing a different location.
Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus condemns DHS Secretary’s Springfield visit
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus condemns the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s visit to Springfield this week, viewing it as yet another attempt by this administration to instill fear within our Latino and immigrant communities. In response, the ILLC released the following statement:
“It is both sinister and cowardly that Noem would choose Latino Unity Day—a celebration of community advocacy—to undermine immigrant voices. This calculated move aims to fuel anxiety and polarization while exploiting our resilience for political gain.
“The federal administration’s troubling actions reflect a pattern of disrespect, particularly evident in allegations of detaining immigrants without due process. In Illinois, we stand firm in our commitment to protect immigrant communities under the Illinois TRUST Act, which limits local law enforcement's role in federal immigration enforcement.
“Despite continuous attacks, our communities remain committed to building an inclusive Illinois. We refuse to yield to oppression or the dehumanizing agenda of the federal administration. Their prioritization of harm over support for working-class families reveals a systemic racism that we must challenge. The hyper-criminalization of our people leads to the militarization of Black and Brown communities, and we must do everything we can to protect them.
“Actions like this underscore why Latino Unity Day remains as vital as ever. Despite this clear attempt to overshadow our voices, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus will continue our unwavering commitment to advancing legislation that protects and empowers our community.”
@CDCgov The White House wants to eliminate:
🚫 Cancer Control Program
🚫 Chronic Disease Center
🚫 Office on Smoking & Health
🚫 National Asthma Control Program
🚫 Chronic Disease Education & Awareness Program
These cuts are indefensible—and will hurt millions and cost billions.
The White House wants to cut @CDCgov by almost 50% - eliminating programs that fight #cancer, #asthma, #tobacco, #COPD & more. 90% of our nation’s healthcare spending goes to #chronicdisease – if we can save money by preventing chronic disease, why wouldn’t we?