A House lawmaker said something interesting to me last year. He said when he arrived as a new lawmaker, he thought there would be huge coordination in Springfield among supermajority Democrats in each chamber and a Democrat Governor. After a while, he said, “I looked behind the curtain and there was no one there.” He was shocked there was no grand wizard planning in a coordinated way.
Not that there isn’t any planning being done. The Governor’s Office pretty much sets the tone and draws up a plan for a state budget. Just like your own personal budget, it is where you decide to spend your money and what your values are. It also shows what your expected revenues are to meet those needs. The governor and majority leaders of each chamber then meet behind closed doors to swap ideas and decide on budget items. They’re doing it right now.
A little confusing so far….
But two weeks into this new session, it hasn’t been clear to me, or those I talk to, how Gov. Pritzker and the supermajority will patch a $3 billion shortfall (money needed just to maintain current levels of spending) and the extra billion or two sought by mass transit agencies in Chicago as well as Chicago Public Schools for new spending. At the same time, Gov. Pritzker has appointed himself chief antagonist against President Trump on various federal issues and actions. Not only has he funded and headed up the “Saving Democracy” group of blue-state govs to oppose Trump’s policies, but he’s worked very hard to put out the unwelcome mat to Trump’s ICE officials in Chicago. One thing everyone in the State Capitol agrees on — Pritzker fiercely wants to be the 2028 Democratic presidential nominee, so this part makes sense. Try to build your national profile. But why go out of your way to threaten federal monies coming into state coffers when you are in a precarious position to fund your state budget to begin with?
And so I’ve been scratching my head since November trying to figure out how the governor was going to pass a state budget in May by constantly smashing the federal gift-horse in the mouth during the winter. He’s not someone known for blowing smoke, nor is he anywhere near the senile age. So what gives? I keep asking around the Capitol to Republicans and Democrats alike. These lawmakers, lobbyists, and staffers just shrug their shoulders and shake their heads. They don’t know.
What I’m currently thinking:
I’m starting to think Gov. Pritzker has a plan, although not a coordinated one and not a good one. The state budget is pretty bloated. There is a way to make a few cuts here, take money from a few funds there, and then make businesses ante up the rest of the money to cobble together a state budget. TMA will be aggressively opposing any tax increases, of course. Don’t be surprised if you as a TMA member get an alert from us to sign a witness slip opposing tax hikes on business to balance the budget. We get our first look at Gov. Pritzker’s budget draft on Feb. 19. Stay tuned. The General Assembly expects to pass a final budget by May 31 that contains revenues and spending for the next year.
TMA LEGISLATOR CONNECT PROGRAM
CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS | INFLUENCE PUBLIC POLICY | ADVOCATE FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Click the video below to watch Illinois House Minority Leader Tony McCombie speak about the importance of TMA members inviting lawmakers into their plants.
Every small and midsize manufacturer is impacted by the laws, regulations, and policies passed in the halls of state capitols and local government offices. Accordingly, it is critical that manufacturers engage policy-makers by hosting them at their facilities.
Hosting legislators helps develop valuable relationships. It also provides an opportunity for you to influence public policy by explaining to your guests the day-to-day struggles and concerns that impact your company and industry.
HOW IT WORKS
TMA makes it easy. We will work directly with you or your staff to determine which legislators or candidates you would like to host. We’ll handle the invitations, and be onsite (if you wish) to assist you with introductions, conversations, and logistics.
It’s simple – just email us HERE. We’ll take it from there.
TMAADVOCACY
TMA works to create a positive public image of the industry, and advocates for a business environment conducive to members growth.
HOW WE HELP
TMA provides small and mid-sized manufacturers the political influence and government relations capabilities that only large corporations can afford. We also promote our members and the industry in the media; giving each a voice in the political and public arenas.
Legislative Connect – Educating state legislators about manufacturing through on-site visits, discussions, and connection with TMA members.
Advocacy Briefings – Discussions between key lawmakers and TMA members on current topics of importance to small and midsized manufacturers.
Lobbying – TMA employees a full-time lobbyist to represent members’ interests in the offices, halls, and on the floors of the Illinois General Assembly.
Member Activism – TMA coordinates member public policy engagement through witness slips, testimony, op/eds, and media engagement.
SAMM Caucus (Small & Midsize Manufacturing Caucus) – TMA maintains the first-ever legislative caucus focused on manufacturing public policy.
Candidate Surveys – Before every election, TMA issues surveys to candidates in TMAmembers’ districts to determine their positions on important issues.
Legislative Scorecards – TMA provides members annual Legislative Scorecards showing how their lawmakers voted on manufacturing legislation.
Candidate Support – Through the TMA PAC, we use members’ investments to help pro-manufacturing candidates gain office.
