Lake County Gazette

During the April 26 Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA) convention in Springfield, Gov. JB Pritzker revealed that business leaders across the state have expressed concerns over pending legislation and the state's business climate.

The governor heard from numerous industry leaders who highlighted their apprehension over the proposed bills and their impact on Illinois' economic landscape.

“Yes, of course, people are talking to Mississippi about low-wage workers that they can get if they put a low-wage manufacturing facility in that state,” Pritzker said in the convention's keynote address, quoted by Capital News Illinois. “But what they talk to Illinois about is skilled labor and skilled workers, because we provide those and we have the third largest community college system in the entire nation. And we're utilizing that to make sure that we're at the top of the heap when it comes to skilled work.”

Representatives from businesses of all sizes convened for the annual daylong joint convention, held shortly before the lawmakers' scheduled adjournment on May 19. Hundreds of attendees were present at the event, indicating the high level of interest and participation from the business community.

During his address, Pritzker highlighted his administration's investments in workforce training and apprenticeships, showcasing his commitment to workers in Illinois. He also emphasized the proposed budget for the current year that includes additional funding for community colleges, universities and student financial aid. The governor also emphasized the importance of providing workers with the necessary skills to succeed in today's economy, citing the investments made under his administration in workforce training and apprenticeships as a means to achieving that goal. He additionally discussed the need for increased funding for higher education institutions, including community colleges and universities, to ensure that students have access to quality education and training opportunities. 

In March, Pritzker suggested the possibility of tax reductions if state revenues continued to improve, an announcement that was met with optimism by many Illinois taxpayers. But recent data shows that the growth in revenue has decelerated, indicating that lawmakers should adopt a more cautious approach in their preparations for the upcoming fiscal year. There is a growing consensus that a more conservative budget approach may be necessary to ensure the state's financial stability and avoid potential budget deficits.