SPRINGFIELD – A new Illinois manufacturing council operating under the umbrella of the Departments of Economic Opportunity and Agriculture will focus on improving Illinois’ manufacturing competitiveness should legislation passed by the Illinois House ultimately become law, according to State Representative Ruth Munson (R-Elgin), sponsor of HB 5585.
“Illinois has lost a number of high paying manufacturing jobs to other countries and other states over the past 10 years,” said Munson. “This legislation is designed to counter the trend and help companies in our state retool and reinvest in the Illinois economy. It means good paying jobs for Illinois families.”
The legislation, which garnered the full support of the Illinois House with a unanimous vote, creates the New Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Council. The purpose of the council is to advocate, coordinate and implement policies within the state to help Illinois manufacturers compete in a global marketplace.
The Council would be charged with developing procedures within the state that would:
- Create conditions for economic growth and manufacturing investment
- Identify new regional, national and international markets
- Strengthen education, retraining and economic diversification programs
- Partner with educational and technological institutions
- Increase research and development and encourage innovation
- Assist Illinois manufacturers with retooling their business for new products and markets
- Develop a technology transfer and commercialization program
The council would be comprised of 21 members from throughout the state representing manufacturing, labor, higher education, research, technology and policymakers.
“To keep these good paying jobs, we must position Illinois as the premier location for high performing manufacturing companies by shaping public policy that creates new opportunities for growth in the manufacturing sector,” said Munson. “The council will examine how we can reverse the troubling trend of the manufacturing exodus from Illinois. By leveraging our existing infrastructure and other resources like our scientific laboratories and major research universities, we can grow a workforce that drives technological advances for our manufacturers leading to a healthier economy for the state and the creation of stable high-paying jobs for Illinoisans.”
HB 5585 was co-sponsored in the House by Representatives Rosemary Mulligan (R-Des Plaines), Sandy Cole (R-Grayslake), Jim Sacia (R-Freeport) and Elizabeth Coulson (R-Glenview).
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