In an April 16 press release, Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) is calling for a Statewide Day of Prayer to help Illinois face the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and look to the future.
“I understand addressing the immediate health consequences of the virus is a priority, but we must not lose focus on what we need to do to restore Illinois to prosperity and inspire recovery,” said Bailey. “Also, calling out to God for help is simply accessing a divine resource that is ours for the asking.”
Illinois was ranked 47th out of 50 states by the Illinois Policy Institute (IPI) for its private sector economy in 2019.
Rep. Darren Bailey
| repbailey.com
“Driving the Illinois downturn was the nation’s worst loss of manufacturing jobs—a gut punch for the state’s middle class. Illinois was down 13,100 manufacturing jobs in 2019,” the IPI report stated.
Bailey asks that Illinois' citizens reach "out to Heaven" on April 24.
In addition, he said there are specific government actions to take.
“Our economic revival should begin with removing the state income tax ballot question scheduled for November,” said Bailey. “The state’s entrepreneurs and employers need to be assured of a consistent business climate. There are too many unknown impacts with a brand new income tax structure, which is surely going to hit small businesses hard at a time when they will still be recovering from a months-long shutdown of the state and national economy.”
In addition, he suggests his state's government “go on a diet.” He notes that when families encounter tough times, they tighten their belts and save money. Not only that, but he said Illinois leaders need to “recognize that even before the pandemic, Illinois was not on sound financial footing."
Bailey believes prayer and commonsense decisions on practices that have always worked in the past are "a partnership for Hope for every Illinoisan."
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