Jobs & Economic Development

Illinois can become an attractive and livable state for corporations while fostering a small business friendly environment. In 2009, the legislature passed a massive gambling expansion disguised as a jobs bill and cowardly failed to pass the responsible tax and healthcare reforms necessary to meet basic needs and promote sustainable job growth. We cannot get ahead by racing to the bottom, giving out massive tax breaks or subsidies to companies. Ultimately, Illinois does not end up collecting enough tax revenue to justify the subsidies, or the jobs simply disappear when we are underbid by neighboring states.

The number one long-term investment we can make in job growth is education. This begins with HB174. When schools are under performing, people do not want to live in the surrounding district. Whether urban or rural, these communities continue to suffer economically as employers and businesses move to desirable neighborhoods. If small and large businesses are going to truly invest in Illinois communities, then the people who work for those companies need to be invested in the community in which they work. When families leave Illinois for better K-12 education and lower tuition costs, it drains our economy and creates less incentive for job creation. We can create an incentive for growth with a vast, educated, and talented pool of potential employees.

We will make our state a more desirable place to live by developing high-speed rail and enhancing energy efficiency services for residential and commercial buildings. Every $1 billion spent on rail versus roads creates an additional 7000 jobs. By switching our transportation priorities, even on a small scale, we could start creating more permanent jobs in Illinois. The state and its universities currently provide energy-auditing services to businesses. Rather than providing a blanket tax break for businesses (which generally only go to the largest companies), we can subsidize energy efficient upgrades to residential and commercial buildings. This would provide real long-term capital cost savings for businesses. The “Green” economy is not just about creating “Green” jobs. A state with low energy costs and short commutes is an attractive one for potential employers.

Finally, the passage of HB311, the Health Care for All Illinois Act, would immediately and dramatically lower the number one expense for many businesses, employee health insurance. Hundreds of small business owners forgo personal health insurance and are unable to provide it to their employees. Even medium to large businesses have difficulty providing adequate coverage, struggling to pay even 50% of health insurance premiums. Moreover, many corporations look for opportunities to eliminate full-time benefits-eligible positions in favor of contractors or part-time. While individuals and businesses would pay taxes to fund what is essentially “Medicare for all,” the taxes would be offset by eliminating health insurance premiums. Without the burden of medical insurance, companies could focus on their core business and competencies. This efficiency would make Illinois unique in the nation and one of the most desirable locations to employ low-cost (but well-paid) workers.