Mason Joins Bipartisan Group of Midwest Legislators to Focus on Economic Development

GURNEE, Ill. – Committed to bipartisan collaboration to solve problems, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, was among 21 select lawmakers to complete a policy academy focusing on improving the economy through infrastructure, workforce, and cyber security policies.  

“Many of the issues that we are dealing with in Illinois are also affecting our Midwest neighbors. I believe working across party and state lines is the best way to find real solutions to the issues and problems we face,” said Mason. “Being from a district on the state border, I understand the unique challenges our border communities and businesses face on a daily basis.”

Mason was joined legislators from across the Midwest to participate in the first-ever ELEVATE Academy, a conference designed to help state leaders better utilize science and evidence to solve complex policy issues. Legislators discussed policies to improve internet security, growing the workforce, and rebuilding infrastructure. The event was hosted by The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Office and Science is US. Participants included a group of state legislators from Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Mason was one of two Illinois legislators selected along with a Southern Illinois Republican Senator.

“It is becoming increasingly important for policy makers to tap science and engineering as they make decisions. But, evidence can help make better policy across the board, not just on topics obviously related to science or medicine. We’re thrilled to work alongside policymakers who are rising up to meet the challenges their states are facing,” said Rachel Kerestes, Executive Director, Science is US.

Earlier this year, Mason supported legislation focused on modernizing our workforce and preparing young people for future green energy jobs along with legislation aimed at bringing new electric vehicle manufacturers to Illinois

“We need to ensure that we making decisions that continue to modernize our state and regional economy by taking advantage of the resources available to us,” said Mason. “By working across the state and the Midwest, we can be part of a larger approach to making sound policy decisions that benefit everyone.”