SPRINGFIELD, IL – On Tuesday, May 12th, State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) delivered remarks on the Floor of the Illinois House of Representatives to express his disapproval of the current health of Illinois’ economy, specifically citing the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security’s latest unemployment rate of 5.2%.
“Democrats, whether nationally or in Illinois, want to blame President Donald Trump, Vice President J. D. Vance, or maybe even Stephen Miller for these numbers. But if that is true, then why are nearly every one of Illinois’ neighboring states performing better than Illinois?” said Halbrook. “Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin all have lower unemployment rates than Illinois.”
Rep. Halbrook went on to discuss the specific causes of Illinois’ weakening economy: “Illinois has spent years building one of the most hostile business climates in America. High taxes. Endless regulation. Expensive energy mandates. Trial lawyer abuse. Population loss. Pension uncertainty. And a government philosophy that too often treats employers as an enemy instead of a partner in prosperity.”
The lawmaker from Shelbyville concluded with: “Until we address the failed policies driving employers and opportunity out of this state, these unemployment numbers will not improve — and neither will the future for the people we represent.”
Watch Rep. Halbrook’s full floor speech here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pty0wO3j6dY
For more information, please contact Rep. Halbrook’s office at 217-342-0220 or visit his website at RepHalbrook.com.
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State Representative Brad Halbrook, is currently in his 7th term as State Representative in the Illinois General Assembly. Rep. Halbrook’s 107th district includes several communities in the following Central Illinois counties: Macon, Shelby, Christian, Effingham, Montgomery, Cumberland, and Moultrie. Rep. Halbrook dedicates his term in office to pursuing conservative public policy, holding government accountable, and fighting high state and local taxes.