SCHAUMBURG, IL – Small and Midsize manufacturers are crucial to the state of Illinois’ economy, but many owners say they’ve been overlooked when important state policy changes are being considered that directly affect their businesses.
The Technology & Manufacturing Association (TMA) applauds Senate Assistant Majority Leader Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) and chief co-sponsor Senate Assistant Republican Leader Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) for responding to their concerns by proposing and helping to move along Senate Joint Resolution 31 (SJR31) out of committee.
SJR31 would encourage the creation of a task force composed of small and midsize manufacturers in Illinois to “develop meaningful recommendations for addressing the needs of small and midsize manufacturers in Illinois,” and would give the General Assembly a list of legislative proposals “designed to improve and expand small and midsize manufacturers in Illinois.”
“Senate Leadership will be working with small and midsize manufacturers to review and promote legislative initiatives that we know would assist the industry if they became law in Illinois,” said TMA Lobbyist David Curtin. “We expect that once we form the task force this summer, we will be able to present our findings to the General Assembly in time for next year’s session. We’re especially pleased that key lawmakers have committed to helping small and midsize manufacturers on this task force.”
The resolution is an initiative of TMA’s Small and Midsize Manufacturers (SAMM) Caucus.
“Small and midsize manufacturers deserve to have their voices heard because they are the ones dealing with these struggles on a daily basis,” said Senator Koehler. “This task force isn’t just going to be in name only, Senators from both sides of the aisle are going to use this as an opportunity to gain insight to help improve our manufacturing industry for working families.”
“SJR31 is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together across party lines,” said Senator Plummer. “Our small and midsize manufacturers are vital to Illinois’ economy, and this task force is a critical step toward ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to thrive and create good-paying jobs for our communities.”
To date, enthusiasm about SJR31 among industry leaders has already led to nearly 50 “proponent” witness slip submissions, primarily from TMA members.
About TMA: Founded in 1925, TMA is an independent trade association exclusively funded by industry and solely focused on small and midsize manufacturers. TMA has nearly 900 members representing approximately 39,000 manufacturing employees and more than 27 million square feet of manufacturing plant.
