Sangamon Sun

State Representative Mike Coffey stated that in order to "stay competitive and grow opportunities for our residents," it is imperative that Illinois become more business-friendly. He argued that taxes and regulations are causing businesses to leave the state. Coffey made this statement in a July 2 Facebook post.

"It's imperative we make Illinois a more business-friendly state in order to stay competitive and grow opportunities for our residents," said Mike Coffey, Jr, according to Facebook. "We continue to watch iconic businesses leave our state and country because of high taxes and burdensome regulations."

In his Facebook post, Coffey shared a link to a report from MyStateline.com, which focused on an announcement from John Deere regarding its intention to lay off hundreds of employees in Illinois and another state as it moves production to Mexico.

Screenshot of Rep. Mike Coffey's July 2 Facebook post | State Rep. Mike Coffey Facebook page

According to CNN, the Illinois factory produces harvesting equipment, such as combines. "We do expect incremental demand decline in the back half of 2024. Notably, our production volumes will decline more than demand in the back half as we’re taking proactive steps to drive down field inventories. This is true for all of our major markets, South America, Europe, and also now for North America large tractors. We believe this approach best positions us to build the retail demand in 2025," said Josh Beal, Director of Community Relations for John Deere, during the company’s May 2024 earnings call.

The East Moline John Deere location will lay off 280 workers, while another 230 jobs will be lost at the company’s Davenport, Iowa location. According to MyStateline.com's July 1 report, these layoffs will take effect on August 30. "These changes are being made due to reduced demand for the products produced at these facilities. To better position Deere to meet future demand, we continue to take proactive steps to reduce production and inventory," said a company spokesperson who was not identified by MyStateline.com.

Coffey filled a vacancy in the legislature in January 2023 after Tim Butler's retirement. A lifelong Springfield resident and business owner, Coffey has been involved with his family’s Springfield restaurant "Saputo’s" and opened his own restaurant "Papa Frank’s" in Springfield in 2015. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Illinois and lives with his wife and three children in Springfield.