State lawmakers push to prioritize Illinois businesses

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (KHQA) — Tuesday marks the 6th annual Chamber Day for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.

After two weeks off, state lawmakers are back at the Capitol and working to finalize legislation as the May 19th deadline quickly approaches.

Just over 160 members of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce showed up for the 2023 Chamber Day, held at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield.

Senate President Don Harmon, House Speaker Chris Welch, Senate Republican Leader John Curran, and House Republican Leader Tony McCombie were all speakers at the event and touched on how to prioritize Illinois businesses in the final budget plan for the year ahead.

“We’ve got a month to go and the real work is just beginning. So, yes I will admit things will probably heat up a little bit here in the next month," said Welch.

While some across the aisle are prioritizing issues like higher education, others are focused on Illinois businesses and their future successes.

“We've all seen the bad policies that we've developed here in Springfield play out. In many instances, stop growth, pushing our neighbors to neighboring states, and in some cases even closing our doors," said Macombie.

“We do have a lot to balance. We do have a lot of requests. But our top priority is to remain financially stable. We will pass another balanced budget, we will pass a budget that continues to help small businesses across this state," said Welch.

Senate Republican Leader, John Curran, recognizes the progress the State has made, but feels Illinois needs to hold the Governor responsible for previous issues.

“We need to hold the governor accountable for making good on business incentives he agreed to in the blue-collar jobs act. I introduced legislation to make it good on one of those promises and eliminate the franchise tax," said Curran.

Curran believes that a stronger business creates a stronger Illinois.

Welch and Harmon have high hopes the state will make it to the May 19th deadline, but Macombie does not think a budget will be worked out in time.