TMA Releases 2017 Legislative Scorecard
Today, the Technology and Manufacturing Association (TMA) released their 2017 Legislative Scorecard. TMA places great importance on keeping the public informed of how their legislators are voting on critical economic issues.
Illinois has been at the heart of transportation, distribution, and manufacturing for decades. Yet, we are losing one resident every 4.6 minutes - 114,000 in 2016 alone. Those moving out of state include members of a trained workforce who are critically needed and personnel who have the potential of being successfully trained and who will be badly needed in the years ahead. In order to head in a positive direction, manufacturers need to be well informed of state lawmakers' votes on crucial issues.
View the TMA Legislative Scorecard at http://www.tmaillinois.org/content.asp?contentid=211.
Scorecard Highlights:
Illinois House of Representatives
- In 2015, 42% of Illinois State Representatives had a cumulative score of 75 or better, meaning they were pro-manufacturing. 58% of Illinois State Representatives had a 2015 cumulative score below 75 meaning they were opposed to manufacturing interests.
- In 2017, only 23% of Illinois State Representatives scored 75 or better, meaning a stunning 77% voted against bills that will encourage manufacturing in Illinois.
Illinois State Senate
- In 2015, 39% of Illinois State Senatorsscored 75 or better, meaning they were pro-manufacturing. 61% of Illinois State Senators scored below 75, meaning they were opposed to manufacturing interests.
- In 2017, only 22% of Illinois State Senators scored 75 or better, meaning a stunning 78% in the Illinois Senate voted against bills that encourage manufacturing in Illinois.
"The manufacturing industry has had little help from Springfield," said Steve Rauschenberger, President of TMA. "This scorecard backs up our recently released survey data. Manufacturers'outlook for our state's economy is extremely low, which starkly contrasts their overall positive outlook for our nation's economy. TMA will continue to work with manufacturers and legislators to foster a friendlier manufacturing environment in Illinois. A friendly manufacturing environment creates jobs, keeps talented individuals in the state, and expands the tax base."
View the full 2017 Legislative Scorecard at http://www.tmaillinois.org/content.asp?contentid=211.