Illinois Republican Governor Bruce Rauner touted his “business friendly” policies at the annual Black Chamber of Commerce conference in East Peoria today. But some state politicians say those policies hurt minorities in the workforce.
Rauner’s message to the packed conference room was that social programs, prevailing wage and taxes need to be cut in order for minority-run businesses to thrive in Illinois.
“African American business owners are leaving just like other business owners are leaving, going to Indiana, where there’s a better business climate,” Rauner said.
The governor says he wants to surpass the goals he set at the beginning of his term for getting state contracts for black and minority-owned businesses.
But Democratic Peoria-area lawmakers Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth and Sen. David Koehler say before any reforms happen, the state needs to pass a budget. They were speaking just down the road at Illinois Central College, where the budget stalemate has students waiting to receive financial aid.
Gordon-Booth says this could prohibit minorities from finishing school and moving into a job.
"When they don't have the ability to finish their education, that is not business friendly, that is the exact opposite," Gordon-Booth said.
Illinois Central College estimates more than 1,000 students are affected by delay on MAP Grant funds. Nearly 35 percent of them are minorities.