With the start of 2016, there has
been a flurry of articles on the job Gov. Bruce Rauner has done in this
first year in office. Most of these
articles have focused on his legislative achievements, lack of a state budget
and his contentious relationship with the Democrat leaders.
While it has been an unusual
year, NFIB/Illinois continues to strongly stand behind Governor Rauner’s agenda
that focuses on strengthening the state’s business climate in order to help create
jobs and turn Illinois around.
And, while the lack of a budget
is certainly concerning, both sides need to come together and work out an
agreement. Governor Rauner has already
agreed to raising taxes, something most Republicans are vehemently against, but
only if he can get some of the key business reforms he knows will jump start
our economy.
Compromise is not a one-way
street, and in state that has had one-party rule for 12 years compromise is
harder to come by than it should be.
NFIB/Illinois’ take on Governor
Rauner’s first year is that is has been successful on multiple fronts.
First, we passed of a significant
unemployment insurance bill that reforms our “misconduct” standard and that has
long been on the list of the business community. Under Governor Rauner’s leadership, along
with help from the legislative leaders, we got it done.
The governor’s influence on how
state agencies approach the business community is also refreshing and
much-needed. We have gone from a mindset
of penalties and fines to one of compliance. While small businesses aren’t looking for special treatment, they do
want to be treated fairly and get help in complying with the hundreds of laws,
rules and regulations that impact them and their employees.
Changing the status quo is scary
for those in power, but Governor Rauner’s constant push for reform and change
is not only important but vitally necessary if Illinois is going to get out of
this horrific fiscal situation.
The next year, perhaps even next
three years, are going to be painful. As
the governor has said multiple times, we need short term pain for long term
gain.
NFIB/Illinois stands by the
governor and will continue to work with him on key business reforms.
