SPRINGFIELD - As soon as Governor Rauner concluded his address, responses from organizations, lawmakers, candidates and trade associations hit the media's email inboxes.
One association that represents several of the state's largest manufacturers said they agree with the Governor's concern that Illinois' economy should be a top priority. The Illinois Manufacturers Association said:
Illinois cannot afford to wait and risk losing another 14,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs this year that serve as the backbone of our middle class. Many items outlined by the Governor including workers' compensation reform, creation of a new economic development partnership, and investing in education from pre-K through college are critically important for improving the lives of Illinois families and businesses. We are hopeful that leaders on both sides of the aisle can come together to achieve innovative solutions that will move Illinois forward.
Illinois Working Together, a coalition representing major unions, didn't mince their criticism of the Governor's comments:
Governor Bruce Rauner’s administration has been an unmitigated disaster for the working people and most vulnerable citizens of Illinois. He has repeatedly shown an inability or unwillingness to work together, instead forcing conflict and demanding divisive policies that benefit the wealthy at the expense of the rest of us. He said nothing today to change that.
The education group "One Chance Illinois" sent out these comments:
It’s clear that the Governor and leaders on both sides of the aisle are focused on improving how we educate our most at-risk children, and One Chance Illinois applauds them all. Providing disadvantaged kids access to high quality education is essential to Illinois' future.
90% of Illinois’ low-income students aren't proficient in math, and 80% don't read at grade level. We need to put aside historical differences and provide kids the necessary resources to flourish. One Chance Illinois supports the Governor’s pledge to "create more quality school options for low-income children stuck in failing schools”. One Chance Illinois believes that traditional, charter and private school providers can come together on a policy that benefits the neediest children, and rewards quality providers.
Partnerships between high schools, community colleges, and local employers are critical to ensuring young people can be ready for both college and career. One Chance Illinois believes there are solutions to support college and career readiness and looks forward to working with the Illinois General Assembly.
Kids only get one chance at a high quality education, and we must do everything we can to ensure that Illinois' children get the quality resources they need and deserve today.” -Myles Mendoza, Executive Director, One Chance Illinois
Americans for Prosperity - Illinois' executive director David From applauded the Governor's efforts:
Governor Bruce Rauner understands what Illinoisans rightly think; state government is inefficient and spends too much, taxpayers are overtaxed and Illinois can grow again if our leaders decide to reject the status quo and transform our state government. In today’s speech, the governor laid out proposals that, if acted upon, will save taxpayer money, grow the economy and make Illinoisans’ lives better. In particular, we applaud Governor Rauner’s continued call for a property tax freeze that includes local cost controls so that homeowners and businesses can receive badly needed relief from the second-highest property tax burden in the nation.
Likewise, the recommendations for the elimination of some of our highest-in-the-nation units of local government, including pension reform, education reform and procurement reform seek to make Illinois work better for taxpayers."
"Legislative leaders should embrace these proposals as ways to reduce spending and make government more efficient, rather than continuing down the well-worn path of demanding more tax hikes on beleaguered taxpayers. The governor’s proposals focus on some of the areas of state government that need the most attention. Taxpayers and homeowners, as well as our children, deserve better than the status quo.
