TMA Weekly E-News Bulletin February 11, 2026

INFORMATION

U.S. Private Payrolls Gain 22K Jobs in January 2026

While the official January jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics has been postponed to February 11, a recent survey found that employers cut 108,435 jobs last month. While these numbers look concerning, JPMorgan suggests that the totals are misleading, noting that “this January was much more similar to recent January values.” A report from ADP Research estimates that 22,000 jobs were added to the private sector last month, yet Evercore ISI estimates that payroll employment increased by 75,000. A clearer economic picture should be known next week. More HERE.

U.S. Launches Project Vault to Secure Critical Minerals

The Trump administration’s Project Vault seeks to bolster US mineral stockpiles with a $12 billion investment, drawing mixed reactions from the metals industry. While some companies welcome the move as a boost for rare earths, others doubt its capacity to compete with China’s aggressive market presence. The initiative marks a strategic effort to stabilize supply chains and influence market dynamics. More HERE.

Illinois’ Quantum Hub Has Some of the Highest Taxpayer Funding Per Job

The state’s new quantum manufacturing park promises about 300 positions, but most are highly specialized technical roles, not entry-level manufacturing work. And each one comes with a public price tag in excess of $100,000 per job. More HERE.

Chicago’s Economic Activity Finally Shows Growth

The U.S. Chicago Purchasing Managers’ Index (Chicago Business Barometer) measures the level of activity in the manufacturing sector in the Chicago area. The Chicago PMI climbed 11.3 points in January to 54.0, well above market estimates, indicating robust growth, but does it also suggest an optimistic picture for the manufacturing sector in the region? More HERE.

BIPA Lawsuits Plummet Following State Law Change Led by TMA

A new report shows lawsuits through the Biometric Information Privacy Act (BIPA) dropped significantly in 2025 following TMA’s successful effort to change the state law to protect small and midsize manufacturers who were being threatened with massive liability. Phil Melin, executive director of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse-Illinois, credited TMA’s work with the law change. “CALA-IL was proud to stand with TMA to highlight BIPA’s atrocities and cannot now be happier to see the dramatic results of the reforms we championed.” More HERE.

Rockwell Automation Selects New Berlin, WI For ‘Factory of the Future’

Rockwell Automation has chosen New Berlin, Wis., as the site for a new manufacturing plant, which CEO Blake Moret calls a “factory of the future.” The facility, part of a $2 billion, five-year investment in domestic manufacturing, will have more than 1 million square feet of factory and warehouse space. More HERE.

State Lawmakers Seek to Regulate Employer use of AI for Wage Decisions

As employers continue finding new ways to use artificial intelligence (AI) to support business operations, state legislators – including in Illinois – have taken notice. Specifically, they’re increasingly scrutinizing employers’ use of AI and automated decision tools to set or influence employee compensation. More HERE.

Trump Accounts: A New Player in the Employee Benefits Lineup

JPMorgan Chase, BlackRock, and Charles Schwab have announced they’ll match the federal government’s $1,000 seed contribution to Trump accounts for their employees’ children. But for most employers, the question is whether the regulatory landscape is clear enough to make an informed decision. More HERE.

Is Demand for Manufactured Products Improving?

W.W. Grainger posted 4.6% growth in 4Q25, but in January, daily sales rose more than 10% on a constant-currency basis. CEO D.G. Macpherson and his team forecasted 6.5-9.0% growth for all of 2026. Does this hint at the possibility of a broad inflection of industrial activity? Is the forecast overly cautious? More HERE.

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ADVOCACY

Illinois Proposal Makes Businesses Financially Liable for Climate Change

Senate Bill 2981 would create the Illinois Climate Change Superfund, financed by payments from entities the state deems responsible for climate change. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency would determine liability, set payment amounts, and direct spending. “How do you calculate that?” state Rep. Chris Miller asked. “This is legally risky and raises constitutional questions. All it’s going to do is enrich lawyers through litigation after litigation.” More HERE.

Manteno, IL Votes Down Review of Taxpayer-Subsidized Chinese EV Plant

Those wanting to see a review of Gotion Illinois by the United States Treasury’s Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) were disappointed after Manteno trustees voted against the request at the January 20 village board meeting. More HERE.

Illinois Senators Introduce Legislation to Increase Taxes on Corporations

Illinois Senate Democrats are pushing for higher taxes on digital advertising, billionaires and corporations. At the Illinois Capitol last week, senators announced their plans for new legislation and said corporations are not paying what they owe. More HERE.

Register for Virtual Conversation with GOP Gubernatorial Candidate Rick Heidner

TMA members can hear directly from the Republican candidates for Governor this month through individual virtual briefings TMA scheduled with all the candidates. Tomorrow’s briefing begins at 8 am with candidate Rick Heidner and you can register HERE. Next up are: Darren Bailey – 8 to 8:30 am Thursday, February 19. Click HERE to register. Ted Dabrowski – 8 to 8:30 am Thursday, February 26. Click HERE to register.

Join Us for a Cigar and Political Talk Next Tuesday in Villa Park

Political strategist Collin Corbett and his political team are back for another pre-election discussion with TMA members handicapping the key races in the upcoming March 17 primary election. “Inside Politics: 2026 Primary Election Analysis” event runs from 4:30 to 6:30 pm Tuesday, Feb. 17 at Casa de Montecristo (formerly 8 to 8 Cigars) in Villa Park. Tickets are $45 and you can register HERE.

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