State Sen. Chris Lauzen, R-Aurora, has been named a 2011-2012 “Champion of Free Enterprise” by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce for his support of legislation designed to strengthen the state’s job climate.
Chamber President and CEO Doug Whitley says the ratings are designed to help the business community identify those legislators, who have made special contributions in the defense of free enterprise and the furtherance of economic opportunities for Illinoisans.
“Legislators who received the highest ratings this year demonstrated a commitment to employer issues. They demonstrated a serious commitment to government reforms that are essential to reversing our state’s negative image for excessive political corruption and anti-business policies,” Whitley said.
Legislators earning Illinois Chamber ratings averaging 85 percent or better over the previous two General Assemblies qualify for the Champion of Free Enterprise Award. Of the 177 members of the Illinois General Assembly, only 14 Senators and 18 Representatives qualified this year for the biennial award.
“An important step in addressing our state’s fiscal crisis is making Illinois a job-friendly state. The policies of recent administrations have not produced job growth; they have instead raised taxes and discouraged employment growth,” Lauzen said. “A better way to increase state tax revenue is make Illinois a more business-friendly state that is home to more wage earners.”
Measures used in the rating process include taxes, workers’ compensation and environmental policy.
