Slaughter Responds to Governor’s Address, Advocates for Responsible Economic Reforms

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, issued the following statement Wednesday following the governor’s State of the State address:

“Illinois has gone far too long without a balanced and responsible budget, and it remains my priority to ensure that we pass a plan that will move our state forward. We need to put aside reckless partisan agendas, and instead work to craft solutions that preserve essential services and protect middle-class families.

“I do not disagree with the governor that Illinois needs to do more to attract business. However, I believe his plan would reduce wages and weaken the standard of living for residents in our community. That is why I plan on backing proposals that would prioritize education funding, raise the minimum wage and expand income tax credits for working families.

“I also am working to make our tax code system fairer for small and mid-sized businesses. I want to cut the income tax rate these local businesses pay, while eliminating loopholes that have allowed large corporations to avoid paying taxes. It is important that we create jobs in Illinois, and by extending incentive programs we can help bring more jobs to our community.

“The people I represent deserve to have a strong voice in the decisions that will be made in the coming months. We have a lot of work to do to increase opportunity for every resident, but by focusing on a responsible spending plan, our education system and our business climate, we can make sure that Illinois is on the right path.  It is time to bring jobs and job training to our community so everyone can have a chance to succeed in a thriving economy.”

For more information, please contact Slaughter’s constituent service office at 773-445-9700 slaughterj@ilga.gov.