SE Illinois News

State Senators Dale Fowler and Terri Bryant, along with State Representatives Dave Severin, Patrick Windhorst, and Paul Jacobs, convened on Thursday at the Southern Illinois Regional Chamber of Commerce Legislative Summit. The legislators delivered brief presentations on state legislative matters and local economic development initiatives, followed by a question-and-answer session with attendees.

State Representative Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) highlighted his role as House Republican Floor Leader and informed Chamber members that all Illinois Republican delegation members in the House and Senate representing areas south of I-64 were named “Champions of Free Enterprise” by the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce.

“Legislators with Illinois Chamber ratings averaging 85% or better over the previous two General Assemblies have demonstrated their commitment to legislation that frees the entrepreneurial spirit qualify for the Champion of Free Enterprise Award,” Windhorst said. “We have all received this recognition because we are in Springfield opposing legislation that is bad for employers and their employees. We have steadfastly supported legislation that is good for job growth and economic development.”

State Representative Dave Severin addressed questions regarding the redevelopment of Rend Lake Resort. Severin noted that funding has been approved and contracts for vending and hospitality services are being finalized with an aim to reopen the facility within 24 months.

“I’m working closely with the Department of Natural Resources and the administration to continue to work on Rend Lake Resort. There are trucks out there now working on the parking lots, the administration is working to secure contracts with vendors, and my goal is in two years to take my wife, son, and grandchildren for Mother’s Day brunch when the Resort and restaurant are fully back open,” Severin said. “I want to thank the members of the various chambers that are represented in this room today. You are the entrepreneurs, the business people that keep our economic engine running. Keep going, keep working, don’t let anyone discourage you from continuing your valued efforts to build and keep southern Illinois up and running.”

State Representative Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) used his presentation time to discuss Illinois' low ranking in terms of taxpayer-friendliness.

“In March 2024, Illinois was ranked worst overall – actually 51st in the country behind even New Jersey, New York, California, and Washington, D.C. – in Money Geek’s analysis of the most and least tax-friendly states,” Jacobs explained. “Also in March 2024, a WalletHub study found low-income Illinoisans pay 14% of their annual salary to sales, property, and income taxes…which may not surprise you to learn was the most in the nation. Unfortunately, the legislature made this situation even worse for taxpayers and employers by raising $1 billion in taxes to pay for increased government spending.”

Representatives from multiple Southern Illinois Chambers of Commerce attended the event hosted by the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce at the Carbondale Civic Center.