East Central Reporter

Rep. Miller Discusses Unemployment and Business Exodus in Illinois

In a recent statement, Representative Chris Miller criticized Governor JB Pritzker's policies, attributing the state's economic struggles to his administration. "The economy is falling apart, taxes are through the roof, and education is being replaced with indoctrination," Miller stated. He argued that families not benefiting from government assistance have seen their quality of life decline under Democratic control.

Miller pointed to high inflation rates and increased taxes as significant burdens on hard-working families. "No one is better off than they were four years ago, period," he asserted.

A new wave of opposition has emerged against Chinese electric vehicle battery maker Gotion, which plans to open plants in Illinois and Michigan. A recent amendment to its Foreign Agents Registration Act filing revealed that Gotion receives subsidies from Beijing. The original filing denied such subsidies.

Illinois has recently experienced another business departure as Morton Salt announced it would relocate its headquarters to Overland, Kansas. This move follows a trend of companies leaving the state due to unfavorable tax conditions. Since 2018, Illinois has seen the largest drop in tax climate rankings among neighboring states.

Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) President Stacy Davis Gates recently commented on systemic racism affecting student test scores in Chicago schools. Gates claimed that black students' poor performance was due to "junk science rooted in white supremacy." However, data from 2022 shows only 9% of black eighth graders were proficient in reading and 4% in math.

Senate Bill 3405 was passed into law and will take effect on January 1, 2025. The bill aims to provide transportation for individuals needing access to problem-solving courts for counseling or classes related to substance abuse and PTSD treatment.

For those seeking Labor Day weekend plans, several festivals across Illinois offer opportunities for celebration.

Representative Miller's office is available for assistance with state agency interactions at 1113 Lincoln Ave., Charleston, open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.