SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) released the following statement regarding Gov. JB Pritzker’s annual budget and State of the State address:
“Facing record inflation, supply chain disruptions and workforce shortages, manufacturers across Illinois need support from policymakers to continue investing in our communities, growing our economy, and ensuring consumers receive the medicines, food and important goods they rely on.
"While we are encouraged by some of the priorities outlined by the Governor, including a significant investment in job training and workforce development programs, a focus on manufacturing careers, enhanced pension payment and the extension of the critical EDGE tax incentive, we must not lose sight of long-term challenges.
"These include policies that increase operating costs on employers and threaten job growth, such as $4.5 billion in debt plaguing the state’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund,” said Mark Denzler, president & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association.
“Manufacturers have time and again demonstrated our willingness to take on tough challenges and solve problems, and we remain prepared to work with the Governor and lawmakers to find solutions.”