
Mark Denzler President & CEO
Every year, the Illinois General Assembly votes on thousands of bills and amendments, many of which have an impact on the manufacturing sector. While the global pandemic resulted in largely virtual legislative sessions in 2020 and 2021, the General Assembly returned to the Capitol in 2022 albeit in a shortened session as a result of the legislative remap process and delayed Primary Election.
This year’s General Election is the most important in a decade because every seat in the General Assembly, every seat in Congress, and every Constitutional Officer is up for election this year. Two open Illinois Supreme Court seats that will determine control of the court are also on the ballot. The IMA’s Legislative Report Card showcases where lawmakers stand relative to support of Illinois’ manufacturing economy and highlight those that vote against job creators. We often hear political rhetoric from legislators that claim to support jobs and investment but then their actions don’t back their words.
Does your legislator support Illinois’ manufacturing sector and the half a million women and men working on factory floors? Did your legislator vote in favor of higher energy costs? Did they support incentives for electric vehicles and semiconductors? Do they oppose costly regulations or support manufacturing innovation? Did they help find solutions for workforce challenges?
The IMA believes it is important for employers, employees, and Illinois residents to know exactly where their lawmakers stand on issues important to the business community. This objective Legislative Report Card will let you know whether your local lawmakers supported the manufacturing sector and large business community on critically important issues related to tax policy, environmental regulations, workers’ compensation, labor law, transportation, and more.
We hope that you will share this information with your colleagues, employees, family, and friends so that they can support pro-manufacturing, pro-growth candidates for office who understand that actions have consequences, good and bad. It’s important that Illinoisans elect pro-manufacturing lawmakers from both political parties who support free enterprise and economic growth.
The results at the ballot box will have a profound impact on your business. Every manufacturer in the United States faces the same challenges and opportunities across the country and the world. However, state policies can severely curtail or entice economic development across the nation, and we continue to see Illinois lagging neighboring states in manufacturing job growth. Illinois has many advantages, but the difference is often state laws and regulations that demonize employers.
The IMA appreciates those lawmakers that have a strong record of support for the manufacturing sector. We look forward to re-electing those officials and increasing the manufacturing majority in the General Assembly.