Gov. Bruce Rauner delivered the keynote address at this year’s Employer Action Day, sponsored by NFIB, the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, and Associated Builders and Contractors. The event was held Wednesday, April 26, at the Wyndham Springfield City Center.
Governor Rauner assured the attendees his pro-growth, pro-business agenda was still his priority. He said Illinois cannot continue on the same path as it has over the past 30 years of increased taxes, lack of accountability, increasing property taxes, and no balanced budget.
Other speakers included:
- Jonathan Williams of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), who explained how Illinois fares in the group’s annual “Rich States, Poor States” report
- Ashley Wilson of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, who discussed federal tax reform efforts
- Beth Purvis, Illinois Secretary of Education, and state Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, who talked about education funding reform
- Jeff Mays, director of the Illinois Department of Employment Security, and Connie Beard, director of the Illinois Department of Revenue, who reviewed business reporting requirements at both agencies
“Employer Action Day gives small-business owners from around the state to learn more about the issues and to speak out about the issues affecting them and their businesses,” said Mark Grant, state director of NFIB.
On Tuesday, the governor met with members of the NFIB Illinois Leadership Council. Afterward, he praised NFIB as “a wonderful organization.”
“It’s a strong advocacy group to help our small businesses around the state of Illinois and across the United States,” he said.
