The manufacturing industry contributes the single largest share to Illinois' GDP - 12.4 percent - loses nearly a quarter of well-paying, middle class positions, it becomes apparent that an Illinois manufacturing and middle class jobs revival is long overdue. There's an urgent need that exists in Springfield to improve Illinois' manufacturing climate and to revitalize the middle class. That is why the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) is urging the governor and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to balance the state's budget and enact real and meaningful economic development reforms.
The IMA is calling on legislators to adopt the "Middle Class Manufacturing Agenda" that includes:
- Establish fiscal stability and pension reform
- Enact tax reform that broadens the base and lowers rates
- Pass economic development reform including changes to workers' compensation
- Reduce the high cost of property taxes
- Strengthen the education and workforce development system
"These numbers are simply outrageous, period, end of story," said Greg Baise, president and CEO, Illinois Manufacturers' Association. "While other states in the Midwest are flourishing, adding jobs and investment, our state continues to be on an island of poor economic decisions, doubling-down on the failed policies of the past. The continued call to simply raise taxes without real budget reforms is how we got into this mess in the first place."
According to IDES, there are 6,055,000 Illinoisans working today which is an all-time high for jobs surpassing the previous high of 6,054,900 set in September 2000. However, this fact is not reason to celebrate because it's taken 17 years to get to that level while 400,000 more people reside in the state.
Midwestern State Comparison on 17-year Job Growth/Loss
