Louisville – Illinois has been so focused on addressing the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic that we’ve literally heard nothing about our future, according to State Rep. Darren Bailey. Bailey said the situation is such a huge challenge he’s calling for a Statewide Day of Prayer.
“I understand addressing the immediate health consequences of the virus is a priority, but we must not lose focus on what we need to do to restore Illinois to prosperity and inspire recovery. Also, calling out to God for help is simply accessing a Divine resource that is ours for the asking,” said Bailey (R-Louisville).
Bailey said there are specific governmental actions to take, but effort to recapture Hope for Illinois should include reaching out to Heaven, which he would like to see happen on Friday, April 24.
“We know from Scripture, the Holy Word of God, the Lord hears us when we call out,” said Bailey.
“For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – Mathew 18:20.
Bailey said Illinois leaders also need to recognize the fact that even before the pandemic, Illinois was not on sound financial footing, and therefore responsibility for restoration also lies with elected leaders.
The Illinois Policy Institute (IPI), a public policy think tank with offices in Chicago and Springfield, recently reported Illinois had one of the worst private-sector state economies in the nation last year, ranking 47th out of the 50 states.
“Driving the Illinois downturn was the nation’s worst loss of manufacturing jobs – a gut punch for the state’s middle class. Illinois was down 13,100 manufacturing jobs in 2019,” the IPI report stated.
Rep. Bailey said there are specific steps to get Illinois on the road to recovery.
“Our economic revival should begin with removing the state income tax ballot question scheduled for November,” said Bailey. “The state’s entrepreneurs and employers need to be assured of a consistent business climate. There are too many unknown impacts with a brand new income tax structure, which is surely going to hit small businesses hard at a time when they will still be recovering from a months-long shutdown of the state and national economy.”
Bailey adds that state government has a terrible track record when it comes to tax hikes tied to promises of better economic times ahead. State income tax hikes in 2011 and 2017 failed to lead to promised job growth, reduced government debt and fixes for the state’s poor overall fiscal health.
“Illinois government needs to go on a diet. We need less spending and smaller government,” said Bailey. “When times are tough for families, they tighten their belts, save their money, and do with less. If such common sense solutions are good enough for working families, it ought to be good enough for government.”
Bailey said prayer coupled with common sense decisions on practices that have always worked in the past, is a partnership for Hope for every Illinoisan.
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