Lake County Gazette

Jay Swidler, Chairman of Vernon Township Republicans, has expressed concern over the economic climate in Illinois, attributing job losses to what he describes as a "hostile, high-tax environment" created by Springfield Democrats. Swidler said that nearly 1,500 Chicagoans are losing their jobs due to these conditions.

"This wave of layoffs is not just unfortunate—it's predictable under the current leadership in Springfield," said Swidler. "Governor Pritzker's tax-and-spend approach is driving Illinois deeper into economic quicksand. Businesses don't see a future here, and that's why they're leaving. The question isn't why companies are leaving—it's why anyone would stay."

According to NBC Chicago, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has reported that nearly 1,500 workers in the Chicago area will face layoffs in the coming weeks. The affected companies include Momence Packing (nearly 300 jobs), CareerBuilder and Monster Worldwide (400 jobs), Ametek Inc. (167 jobs), Bristol Myers Squibb (133 jobs), Cleveland Cliffs (300 jobs), and Oak View Group (203 jobs). Statewide, about 2,100 employees across 14 businesses will be impacted. Carle Health in Champaign is set to lay off 612 employees. In total, nearly 5,000 workers have been affected by layoffs in Illinois over the past three months.

The Illinois Department of Employment Security reports that as of August 2024, the state's unemployment rate was at 5.3%, which is higher than the national average of 4.2%. Since 2023, this rate has increased from 4.6%. Although nonfarm payroll jobs saw an increase of 36,300 with gains in sectors such as Government and Private Education and Health Services, declines were noted in Professional and Business Services (-27,800), Financial Activities (-5,400), and Information (-4,400). The labor force remained stable with a rise in unemployed workers by 15.7% from the previous year.

The Illinois Policy Institute highlights significant economic challenges faced by the state. It notes that job creation lags behind most other states with a current unemployment rate of 5%, ranking third highest nationally since Governor Pritzker took office when it was at 4.6%. Illinois ranks low in total job growth and private-sector job growth while wage growth has been slow since December 2018. These factors contribute to an exodus of prime working-age residents seeking better opportunities elsewhere.

Swidler was elected Chairman of Vernon Township Republicans in Buffalo Grove in 2024. His focus includes increasing Republican voter turnout and membership while communicating party positions on key issues for Vernon Township voters.