SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) today released the following statement in response to the Governor’s annual State of the State and Budget Address:
“Illinois has always been on the forefront of innovation, from the origination of nuclear power and the creation of the cell phone, to the development of life-saving therapies and the establishment of the nation’s largest quantum computing project. Manufacturers are proud to be a big part of that legacy, and we’re encouraged by efforts to maintain the momentum by investing in our workforce, streamlining permitting processes and increasing production of reliable, affordable energy,” said Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. “In order to truly foster an innovation economy, we must remain focused on supporting businesses and job creators seeking to locate and grow in Illinois, not putting up new barriers to entry in the form of higher taxes, more regulations, and fewer incentives. It’s also critical that Illinois live within its means. While this budget proposal largely holds the line on new spending, it comes amid efforts by the legislature to add billions of dollars in higher taxes that will fuel new spending – most of which will be funded by job creators, which increases costs on consumers and makes it more difficult for businesses to hire and grow. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Governor and General Assembly to ensure Illinois remains competitive and on the cutting-edge of technological advancement and economic investment.”
About the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA)
The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is the only statewide association dedicated exclusively to advocating, promoting and strengthening the manufacturing sector in Illinois. The IMA is the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association in the United States, representing nearly 4,000 companies and facilities. For more information, please visit http://ima-net.org/