Ryan Higgins for State Representative

Job Creation & Economic Growth

Illinois residents, like all Americans, face tough economic times.  A decade of failed economic policies, however, has exacerbated the problem in our state.  Currently, Illinois ranks an abysmal 48th among the 50 states in job creation -- trailed only by Ohio and Michigan.[1]  This is an unacceptable statistic for a state as diverse and talent-rich as Illinois.  The problem, of course, is not Illinois residents.  The problem is Illinois politicians who have created an environment that is hostile to job creation and economic growth.
Illinois residents don't just deserve more job opportunities, they deserve the best job opportunities the market can produce.  As state representative, my highest priority will be enacting economic reforms designed to make Illinois one of the top states in the country for job creation and economic growth.  These reforms will include:
  • A "New Jobs" Tax Credit.  A "New Jobs" Tax Credit will jump start job creation in Illinois.  Employers will be eligible for tax credits equal to a percentage of the unemployment insurance tax they pay for employees in new, full-time jobs.  The New Jobs Tax Credit will attract new employers to Illinois and help existing employers expand their workforces.
  • Rollback the "Stroger" Sales Tax Increase.  Last year, under the leadership of Cook County Board President Todd Stroger, the Cook County Board of Commissioners raised Cook County's portion of the sales tax from 0.75% to 1.75%, for a total sales tax of 10.00% in Schaumburg and 10.25% in Chicago, the highest in the country.  This unconscionable tax increase further strains family budgets at an already difficult time and suppresses the commerce upon which our community depends.  As state representative, I will sponsor legislation to repeal the Stroger sales tax increase, helping to bring commerce and jobs back to our community.
  • Legal and Tort Reform.  Illinois ranks as one of the worst states in the country (46th out of 50) for lawsuit abuse.[2]  Illinois' reputation for lawsuit abuse keeps prospective employers out of Illinois and increases costs for employers already here, meaning fewer opportunities and lower wages for Illinois workers.  As state representative, I will work to enact common sense legal and tort reforms, creating a more favorable climate for job creation in our state.
  • 3/5 Supermajority for Tax Increases.  For too many politicians in Springfield, tax increases are a tempting policy "shortcut" for closing gaps in the state budget.  The problem with tax increases is that they strain family budgets and inhibit job creation and economic growth -- all unacceptable outcomes given our state's economic crisis.  In order to protect Illinois families and businesses from unnecessary tax increases -- and to encourage the General Assembly to make more disciplined spending decisions -- I will sponsor legislation that would require a 3/5 supermajority vote to pass any legislation that would raise taxes or fees on Illinois families or businesses.
  • Incentives for Investment and Growth.  As state representative, I will work to expand state tax incentives for investment, research and development, and economic growth.


[1]  See American Legislative Exchange Counsel, Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitive Index (2009) 104, available at http://www.alec.org/am/pdf/tax/09RSPS/26969_REPORT_full.pdf.

[2]  See U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform & Harris Interactive, Lawsuit Climate 2008: Ranking the States, available at http://www.instituteforlegalreform.com/images/stories/states/lawsuitclimate2008/pdf/LawsuitClimateReport.pdf.

Paid for by Citizens for Ryan Higgins
A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.