IL Freedom Caucus: Bad policies fueling state’s high unemployment rate

From left to right: State Reps. Blaine Wilhour, Dan Caulkins, Jed Davis, Chris Miller, Adam Niemerg, Brad Halbrook. Photo submitted by IL Freedom Caucus.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

Springfield, IL – The Illinois Freedom Caucus is issuing the following statement on Illinois having the nation’s fourth highest unemployment rate.

“Illinois is tied for the fourth highest unemployment rate in the nation during the month of May. Only California, Nevada and Delaware had higher unemployment rates. The news comes in the midst of Illinois losing major companies such as Caterpillar, Boeing, and Tyson Foods to other states.

JB Pritzker insists his far-left policies are good for business, but the results tell a different story. Illinois’ unemployment rate is consistently at or near the bottom nationally. Our state lost 105,000 people last year representing $11 billion in lost wealth and business leaders continue to rank Illinois as one of the worst states in the country for doing business. JB Pritzker’s policies are driving jobs and opportunities from our state. Illinois’ central location combined with our vast natural resources should make our state a destination for jobs. Unfortunately, Pritzker’s high taxes, reckless state spending, radical environmentalism and soft on crime policies are leading to high unemployment and people fleeing our state.

It is time for the Governor and the legislative leaders to stop ignoring the real-world impact of their radical agenda. We need to lower taxes, enact spending reforms, repeal extreme environmental policies such as the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and make our streets safe again. If we take these steps, we can reverse the impact of years of poor leadership and bad policies and put our state back on track.”

The Illinois Freedom Caucus is comprised of State Representatives Chris Miller (R-Oakland), chairman; Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City), vice-chairman; Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich); Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville); Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur); Jed Davis (R-Newark) and David Friess (R-Red Bud). The members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus are members of the Illinois General Assembly who are advocating for limited government, lower taxes and accountability and integrity in government.