The House and Senate were in session on June 16, holding hearings but accomplishing little.
The House held a Committee of the Whole on the issue of creating a public-private corporation as part of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Gov. Bruce Rauner wants to narrow the role of the agency and move the economic development portion into a public-private corporation.
Other states that have used this model consistently are at the top of business climate rankings, according to the Governor’s office. His plan would establish the public-private corporation and its functions would include: business development, small and minority business incubation, trade and investment, tourism and film. DCEO would continue to focus on employment and training, community development, energy and recycling, urban assistance and energy assistance.
Economic development experts have contended that over the last several years Illinois has been unresponsive and ill-equipped to market the state and lure new businesses to locate here. Jim Schultz, the current director of DCEO, testified at the hearing and said the public private corporation is essential to moving Illinois to the forefront of job creation and economic development.
Ironically this is an issue that was originally part of a compromise agreement between the governor and Speaker Michael Madigan. When discussions broke down about the budget and other reform items, the speaker withdrew his support.
The Illinois Senate held a Committee of the Whole on the affordability of college in Illinois. Senate Democrats, after passing a state budget with a $4 billion hole, put forth their version of “economic development” that included free community college tuition for the first two years.
Both Chambers are expected to be back in Springfield on Tuesday, June 23. The Senate will hold a Committee of the Whole on minimum wage and paid sick leave. The House has not indicated yet what it plans to do.
Governor Buys TV Spots
In a not-so-surprising move, Governor Bruce Rauner this week launched $1 million in television ads to put pressure on Democrats to support his economic agenda.
While this move was highly expected, some Democrats are crying foul and asking the Governor to “stop campaigning” and start governing. However, it was just a few weeks ago the House Democrats sent campaign-style mailers into Republican districts hitting them on some of their votes. These Republicans are considered “targets” and will likely have stiff competition next election.
Governor Rauner vowed early on his tenure that he would pull out all the stops to do what he believes he was sent to Springfield to accomplish – bring Illinois from the brink and restore our economic vitality.
Some might argue all the rhetoric is not helpful in trying to get a deal on the budget. However, others say it is the only way to get the Speaker and Senate President to start negotiating.
