CHAMPAIGN—State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) is extremely concerned that the local unemployment rate is up in the Champaign-Urbana and Danville areas.  He vowed to redouble his efforts to create jobs in East-Central Illinois.

“Keeping and creating jobs in East-Central Illinois is my top priority,” Frerichs said.  “I have worked to lower unemployment and underemployment for years, and I vow to continue collaborating with community and business leaders to identify the best way to develop our local economy.”

Frerichs helped pass the $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction bill, which includes hundreds of millions of dollars for the 52^nd Senate District.  It is helping finance major construction projects at the University of Illinois and Danville Community College, in addition to road repair and park construction.  He also co-sponsored the Illinois Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit, which creates a tax incentive to encourage small businesses to hire permanent, well-paid employees.  It is expected to create thousands of jobs throughout the state.

“I believe it is important to attract innovative, cutting-edge industries to Illinois and to keep the brilliant minds graduating from institutions like the U of I in this state,” Frerichs said.  “I will continue to support tax incentives, infrastructure improvements, and educational programs that will help develop the local economy.”

Frerichs is a big advocate for green technology.  He has consistently supported legislation to help make it easier to for companies to invest in wind and solar technology.  Frerichs has also introduced legislation to create grants for emerging technology industries and to create angel investor tax credits for innovative start-up businesses.

“I also believe in shared sacrifice,” said Frerichs, who voted to cut his pay by taking 12 furlough days.  “Elected officials should lead by example.