CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Wednesday's Talker is about a Fourth of July tradition that's illegal.
Every year, Illinois residents cross the border into Indiana to buy fireworks, and every year, police line up on the border to arrest them. Burnham police blew up a number of people's Fourth of July plans Wednesday morning.
The message is that all but the tamest fireworks are illegal in Illinois. In fact, our state has one of the most restrictive fireworks laws in the nation.
Four states ban fireworks outright -- New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Massachusetts. Illinois is one of four states on the next level -- only the most basic things -- like sparklers or snakes are allowed. If it goes "bang" - it's against the law. 42 states allow more fireworks than Illinois.
So we're asking: should the state lighten up and let its residents light up fireworks? Or are the tight rules a good thing that protects us from blowing off our fingers, or worse?
The arguments for fireworks are simple: it's fun, it's tradition, and the kids love it. And what about the boom for state finances? You've heard all about the trouble Illinois is in -- closing facilities, cutting healthcare, and talking about more gambling.
But if the state allowed fireworks sales, it could impose fireworks taxes. Indiana takes in more than $2 million a year from taxes and fees on fireworks.
That would help, but both Illinois public safety officials and doctors say it's not worth it. They say the risks of backyard fireworks outweigh any benefit to the state treasury.
And the costs can be high. Doctors say every year they have to treat people with eye injuries, burns, and missing thumbs, caused by everything from sparklers to bottle rockets.
The other big concern, especially with this year's dry Fourth of July? Fire.
