Tom O'Toole

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Legal fireworks in Illinois is focus of new proposal

Fireworks are being discussed at the state level.  A proposal sponsored by State Rep. Barbara Wheeler would legalize fireworks sales in Illinois.  The bill was introduced the day before Independence Day, advocating for the sale of the types of fireworks Illinoisans typically drive across state lines to purchase.

On the “against” side, the Chicago Tribune notes the risk and danger of fireworks, pointing out that burns and eye injuries sent almost 13,000 people to hospitals just last year.  Wheeler tells the Tribune, “At this point, it just seems kind of silly, because we know that the citizens of Illinois are buying fireworks. … You can’t legislate (against) everything.”

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