TMA leads effort to encourage small and midsize manufacturers in Illinois

SCHAUMBURG – Illinois is home to a sizeable number of small and midsize manufacturers – and an effort is underway to increase those numbers as the “Made in America” movement develops.

As the opportunities increase, Illinois will be in competition for those companies comparing advantages and disadvantages of state’s regulations and taxes.

The Technology & Manufacturing Association has stepped up to assist in an effort that would allow small and midsize manufacturers a strong voice in the evaluation process by participating in a proposed Task Force.

SJR 31, a resolution that will make its way through both Illinois chambers before going to the governor’s desk, is sponsored as of May 5, 2025 by these members of the Illinois Senate:

Senate Sponsors
Sen. David Koehler – Jason Plummer – Chris Balkema, Craig Wilcox, Jil Tracy, Laura Ellman, Paul Faraci, Michael W. Halpin, Bill Cunningham, Julie A. Morrison, Andrew S. Chesney, Laura M. Murphy, Terri Bryant and Christopher Belt

SJR 31 lines out exactly what the proposed process will be:

`SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION`
2		`WHEREAS, Seventy-five percent of manufacturers in Illinois`
3		`are comprised of small and midsize manufacturers with under`
4		`500 employees; and`
5		`WHEREAS, These manufacturers are recognized for the`
6		`provision of good-paying jobs and the production of goods that`
7		`benefit the people of Illinois and the world; and`
8		`WHEREAS, Small and midsize manufacturers often have`
9		`different issues, particularly issues of scale, compared to`
10		`their large manufacturing brethren; and`
11		`WHEREAS, Small and midsize manufacturers want to provide`
12		`the best and safest environments in which their employees can`
13		`thrive in the State of Illinois; therefore, be it`
14		`RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL`
15		`ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF`
16		`REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that we unequivocally`
17		`reaffirm our dedication to supporting the efforts of small and`
18		`midsize manufacturers across Illinois; and be it further`
19		`RESOLVED, That we urge the small and the midsize`
20		`manufacturing industries and other relevant stakeholders to`

SJ0031

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1 form a task force to develop meaningful recommendations for

2 addressing the needs of small and midsize manufacturers in

3 Illinois; and be it further

4 RESOLVED, That this task force should focus on drafting a

5 comprehensive set of recommendations that include potential

6 legislative suggestions designed to improve and expand small

7 and midsize manufacturers in Illinois; and be it further

8 RESOLVED, That the task force's findings and

9 recommendations should be presented to the General Assembly to

10 help inform legislative efforts aimed at better supporting

11 small and midsize manufacturers; and be it further

12 RESOLVED, That we remain committed to championing

13 initiatives that ensure the success of small and midsize

14 manufacturers in Illinois.