Halpin Advocates for Economic Development Platform that Prioritizes Middle Class Families

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. – Concerned about outsourcing and the state of the economy, state Rep. Mike Halpin, D-Rock Island, is promoting reforms that aim to improve the business climate in Western Illinois.

“In order for our area to succeed, we have to make sure that our region has policies in place that will attract and retain employers,” Halpin said. “I agree with our governor that to right the direction of Illinois, we must make our state an attractive place to do business. However, I do not agree with his race to the bottom narrative that includes destroying collective bargaining and prioritizing profits over people.”

Under the proposed economic reforms Halpin is backing, businesses that ship jobs overseas will no longer be able to receive incentives from Illinois. Instead, Halpin supports an extension of the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) tax credit program, which encourages business investment and job creation in Illinois.

Additionally, Halpin is favoring plans that would make the state’s tax code fairer for small and mid-sized businesses, while ensuring that large corporations, many of which have avoided paying taxes in recent years, pay their fair share.

“The economic reforms I support seek to strengthen and expand our economy and the middle-class,” Halpin said. “Along with proper investment in our education system and infrastructure, I am confident that they will help position our communities for a better economy moving forward.”

For more information, please contact Halpin’s full-time constituent service office at 309-558-3612 or rephalpin@gmail.com.