Sangamon Sun

While Governor Pritzker tries to sell a balanced budget, the reality is a persistent deficit that places an unfair burden on small and midsize manufacturers like those represented by the Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA).

These manufacturers, the backbone of Illinois’ economy, operate with unique fiscal discipline. They adopt lean budgets and efficiencies while delivering world-class products. It would benefit all Illinoisans if state leaders mirrored this approach, cutting waste and prioritizing sustainability over short-term fixes. Manufacturers cannot continue to shoulder the rising costs created by excessive taxes and burdensome regulations. Such policies stifle growth, making it harder to invest in employees, expand facilities, or create new jobs.

We’ve seen promising steps at the federal level to streamline budgets and reduce waste, proving that change is both necessary and achievable. Illinois must follow suit instead of clinging to the status quo, because the status quo is not working. It’s time to prioritize pro-growth measures that attract opportunity rather than drive it away.

We urge our policymakers to learn from the financial discipline of our manufacturers and small businesses and make meaningful changes for a stronger, more competitive Illinois.

David Curtin is a lobbyist for the Technology & Manufacturing Association.