Illinois Chamber of Commerce responds to Pritzker’s State of the State address
Staff Report
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Chamber of Commerce, on Thursday, responded to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s State of the State address.
“Governor Pritzker presented a positive view of his first year in office, much of which the Chamber agrees with. The Governor embraced pro-growth tax incentives – including the Chamber’s data center incentive legislation – championed by pro-business legislators,” Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch said in a statement. “He has committed to a professional economic development program, greater investment in workforce development and expansion of access to advanced technology for small businesses.”
Maisch said while bipartisan gains are welcomed by the employer community, policymakers need to be reminded of the negative impacts of misguided policies enacted in 2019. Small businesses, he said, will struggle mightily with the burden of a $15 minimum wage.
“The wage is unfairly set at $15 regardless of geography or wage rates that vary greatly in our diverse state,” Maisch added. “Also, the proposed progressive income tax eliminates our current, true Fair Tax. It is already having a chilling effect on employers’ willingness to invest in Illinois.
A focus on our greatest job producers, small business, must be a priority in 2020 to balance the negative effects of 2019 policies. The Governor has demonstrated a good understanding of issues that impact small businesses, but still has pursued detrimental legislation. 2020 represents an opportunity to offer them more support with bipartisan policies to move our state forward.”