Metro East Sun

On Wednesday, January 17, a dedication ceremony was held at Wieland Rolled Products in East Alton to celebrate their commitment to reinvest in Illinois. This major investment and job retention plan was made possible by legislation sponsored and signed into law last June. The legislation played a crucial role in retaining jobs and spurring investment in the East Alton facility.

State and local leaders, along with company officials, expressed their gratitude and excitement for Wieland Rolled Products' decision to reinvest in advanced manufacturing jobs in the Metro East. The collaboration and cooperation between state, federal, and local leaders, as well as company officials, were instrumental in ensuring that these skilled jobs remain in East Alton.

In another development, Rep. Amy Elik proudly announced her co-chairship of the Illinois Manufacturing Caucus. She partnered with the Illinois Manufacturers' Association to introduce legislation aimed at keeping manufacturers in Illinois and removing barriers for those entering the manufacturing workforce. The caucus, which is bipartisan and bicameral, will focus on highlighting the importance of manufacturing in the state's economy and addressing key issues such as education, workforce development, energy, and tax policies.

Manufacturing is a vital pillar of Illinois' economy, contributing the largest share to the state's Gross Domestic Product. With 650,000 direct jobs and a multiplier effect that supports an additional 17 jobs in other industries for every 10 manufacturing jobs, the expansion of the manufacturing sector has the potential to generate significant secondary employment impact.

The Illinois Manufacturing Caucus will be co-chaired by Rep. Amy Elik, Rep. Justin Slaughter, Sen. Sue Rezin, and Sen. Patrick Joyce. This bipartisan and bicameral effort demonstrates the commitment of Illinois lawmakers to support and promote the manufacturing industry.

In the spirit of transparency, Rep. Amy Elik shared the results of a recent survey conducted in the 111th district. The top three issues identified by constituents were opposition to providing "Medicaid-like" health insurance benefits to illegal residents, support for local school boards to dictate sex education curriculum for K-12 students, and the demand for at least 72 hours of public review for every bill before a vote takes place. These survey results will inform Rep. Elik's decisions during the upcoming 2024 legislative session.

Furthermore, Rep. Elik attended the Home Builders and Remodelers Metro East Association's annual dinner, where she installed the new 2024 President, Steve Macaluso. This event provided an opportunity to engage with business owners who play a significant role in building and improving communities.

Lastly, it was announced that the Illinois House of Representatives will reconvene on Tuesday, February 6, after the winter break. The session can be watched live for those interested in staying informed about the legislative proceedings.

For any constituents in need of assistance with navigating state government, Rep. Amy Elik's office is available to help. They can be contacted at the district office in Alton at 618-433-8046.

Source:

- Rep. Amy Elik