Unlike other organizations representing large manufacturing corporations, TMA is exclusively focused on current public policy affecting manufacturing that benefits small and mid-size manufacturers by establishing a strong, pro-growth manufacturing environment. Three of TMA's primary areas of focus are:
TAXATION |
REGULATION |
EDUCATION |
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In a global economy where job-creating manufacturers bid against both national and international competition, the level of taxes a business is forced to pay materially affects winning bids, and puts at risk good-paying jobs and economic benefits that result from manufacturing activity. | TMA seeks to:
✓ Phase out the Cook County property tax classification system and put manufacturers on an even footing with all property tax payers. ✓ Cap the growth of property taxes until Illinois is at least “average” in the U.S. ✓ Reduce cumulative taxation (e.g. income, sales, unemployment, etc.), which negatively impacts competitiveness. |
The regulatory burden imposed on job-creating manufacturers results in outlays that must be incorporated in the cost of production. Imposing regulations on the employee/employer relationship result in less employment and laid off or un-hired employees/citizens. Similarly, zoning or code requirements that obligate manufacturers to adhere to property standards that relate better to residential neighborhoods increase costs that can cause them to lose competitive bids. | TMA seeks to:
✓ Repeal all government regulations of the employee/employer relationship. ✓ Require independent review and publication of the cost of new state and local regulations. ✓ Implement simple appeal and bypass procedures for existing regulations. ✓ Require local governments to confer with local manufacturers and other employers. |
Illinois operates an extensive and expensive public education system that is funded by some of the highest property taxes in the nation. Despite this investment, job-creating manufacturers report significant frustration with the readiness of graduating students to meet basic job requirements. Additionally, many school leaders lack a realistic understanding of the state’s job market and the importance of manufacturing to the region. The expanding “skills-gap” in manufacturing has been identified as one of the most critical threats to our country’s economic future. | TMA seeks to:
✓ Engage, encourage, and elect officials who understand and advocate for manufacturing. ✓ Hold college and school officials accountable for their student’s job readiness and competency. ✓ Tie future funding of education – at all levels – to demonstrated progress toward goals that provide students with a high quality and useful education. ✓ Encourage education leaders to meet with employers to understand their needs and perspectives. ✓ Advocate for more manufacturing-skills education in high schools, vocational schools and colleges. |
