14 ILLINOIS BUSINESS LEADER FEATURE The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the 2024 Champion of Free Enterprise Award Winners and Freshmen of the year. These awards correspond with the release of the Illinois Chamber 103rd General Assembly Legislative Ratings. This award is given by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to legislators who work toward the advancement of economic opportunity for all Illinoisans and to those who have made special contributions to the defense and furtherance of free enterprise in our state. After each General Assembly, the Illinois Chamber assesses the performance of every legislator based on their votes on key business- related bills. Our ratings track votes important to the state’s business community and grade legislators based on their support for pro- business issues during the two-year legislative session. The Champion of Free Enterprise Awards are given biennially to Senators and Representatives with Illinois Chamber ratings averaging 85 percent or higher over the previous two General Assemblies who have demonstrated their commitment to legislation that frees the entrepreneurial spirit. The Illinois Chamber of Commerce also expresses its gratitude to the newly elected legislators in both houses who have demonstrated exceptional voting records, sponsored important legislation, and have shown a collaborative spirit during their first two years in office. This is done through the Outstanding Freshman award. “As we seek to create a vibrant business climate for all businesses in Illinois, it is important to take time to recognize the members of the legislative body who have contributed to creating this vibrant climate,” said Lou Sandoval, President, and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. “These awards are symbolic of that effort, and it is only fitting that we acknowledge their contributions and partnership with the chamber to making Illinois better for business. While we have some work to do in creating balance that supports employers, we seek to continue to work with all our legislators who foster a pro-growth, pro- business, and pro-Illinois approach to supporting business.” The Illinois Chamber would like to provide special recognition to four members of the Legislature who achieved 100% rating over the past two General Assemblies. Thank you to Representative Meier, Representative Ugaste, Representative Swanson, and Representative Frese for their tireless support for Illinois businesses. 2024 Award Winners and Legislative Ratings 103rd General Assembly Legislative Ratings PRO G R O W T H B U S I N E S S I L L I N O I S 103rd General Assembly 2023-2024 Legislative Ratings
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