Illinois Chamber of Commerce endorses Kirk for Senate

 

 State’s oldest and largest business advocacy group represents Illinois employers of all sizes from all sectors of the economy;

 

 Kirk: “I am honored to earn the support of employers across Illinois who share my vision of lower taxes, fiscal discipline and economic growth.”

 

CHICAGO, IL – The Illinois Chamber of Commerce has endorsed Congressman and Navy veteran Mark Kirk for U.S. Senate citing his commitment to pro-growth, pro-jobs policies that will turn the Illinois economy around and put people back to work.

Speaking in front of rolling printing presses at a small business on Chicago’s North Side, Congressman Kirk pledged to add private sector jobs with pro-growth, pro-employment policies that allow employees to succeed.

“You cannot talk about creating jobs without talking to Illinois job creators,” Congressman Kirk said.  “I am honored to earn the support of employers across Illinois who share my vision of lower taxes, fiscal discipline and economic growth.  We know that government does not create jobs – employers do.  We need policies that help small businesses add employees rather than policies that add government spending and higher taxes.”

The Illinois Chamber is the state’s oldest and largest broad-based business advocacy group representing small and large employers across all sectors of the state’s economy. 

“Congressman Kirk is as prepared for this position as anyone could be,” Illinois Chamber President Doug Whitley said. “Illinois Chamber members from Rockford to Carbondale, from Moline to Danville – and everywhere in between – want to support a pro-business candidate for Senate. With Congressman Kirk, we have someone who believes in a strong national defense and has a national view and a world view that is informed by years of military and public service.”

In Congress, Mark Kirk led the effort to stop the Bridge to Nowhere, worked to end wasteful earmark spending and voted to cut taxes more than 40 times.  He opposes a state income tax increase, opposes the death tax and opposes a Value Added Tax (VAT).  Congressman Kirk recently proposed a Small Business Bill of Rights to protect small business owners from higher taxes, rising costs and increasing government red tape.  A strong supporter of Illinois agriculture, exports and infrastructure, Congressman Kirk brings a proven record of working across party lines to stand up for Illinois jobs.

A recent study by Chief Executive Magazine found Illinois to be the 6th worst place to do business in America – falling from 17th best just five years ago.  Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias supported 12 new federal taxes in the health care bill and a hefty increase in the state income tax that would further reduce Illinois’ competitiveness, driving more jobs out of state.  Giannoulias also supports the death tax, refuses to take a position on a potential VAT tax and opposes a worker’s right to a secret ballot in union elections.

“This was a clear choice for the Chamber board, which is impressed by the Congressman’s depth of experience, his pro-business proposals, military experience and extensive knowledge about international issues,” Illinois Chamber Board of Directors Chairman Calvin Butler said.  “Congressman Kirk will use his knowledge and experience to work for policies that drive job growth and prosperity.”

Following the announcement, Congressman Kirk toured Cardinal Colorprint Printing, a 50-year-old small business on the city’s northwest side, and greet employees.  Cardinal, certified by the Forestry Stewardship Council and Sustainable Forestry Initiative, has been lauded for its environmentally responsible “Go Green Initiative.”

(From Kirk for Senate Campaign)