CHICAGO – The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement in response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget address:
“The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce commends Governor Pritzker for introducing a budget that reflects his continued efforts to improve the state’s finances and advance economic development opportunities throughout Illinois. However, we are concerned about the lasting impact proposed revenue generators will have on small businesses still working to recover while facing existing regulatory and financial burdens. We appreciate Governor Pritzker including in his budget a $500 million capital appropriation for quantum development that will allow for potential future federal funding opportunities and support development of an incubator site and related equipment that will generate industry and job growth for years to come. We also applaud the governor for his focus on addressing our pension system, which continues to be the most significant fiscal challenge facing the state. As we look ahead at addressing this issue as well as significant budget gaps at both the state and city level, growing our tax base and investing in infrastructure designed to spur economic development and innovation must be a top priority. The Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce stands ready to work with Governor Pritzker and elected officials to champion initiatives that support forward-looking ventures like tech and quantum, build a strong foundation on which businesses can grow and thrive, and help bolster Illinois’ strong workforce to move the state forward towards a brighter economic future.”