Consider the record of 'trickle up' thinking

Listening to Governor Rauner's budget address, I was struck by how many times he referred to "job creators." The state has to attract job creators to spur growth. Spending and taxing must be done with job creators in mind. We're dependent on job creators to decide that working in Illinois is worth the financial risk.

The problem with this is that we, the people, are the job creators. It's we who spend our money at grocery stores, gas stations, department stores, restaurants, barbers and hairdressers - we are deciding which businesses to support. Businesses that are successful at attracting our dollars are going to do well and expand, or attract rivals, and jobs will be created.

This is the trickle up method of job creation, which is more effective and has a longer history than trickle down economic theory. Consumers driving demand is the best way for an economy to grow. A strong, financially healthy, middle class ensures a strong economy.

During the past 30 to 40 years, income gains for the middle class have remained stagnant, while earnings among the top 20 has skyrocketed. This wealth redistribution has favored the rich to the detriment of everyone else. Without an increase in real disposable income, the middle class job creators aren't able to spend enough to grow the economy.

It's time to reverse this redistribution and put more dollars in the hands of the poor and middle class, who will spend it on local goods and services and help achieve the governor's goals.

Bill Slankard

Arlington Heights