This document summarizes quotes from four Illinois Senate Democrats on various topics: 1) John Sullivan expressed opposition to a proposed pension reform plan, arguing it would negatively impact current and retired employees and likely be found unconstitutional. 2) Andy Manar praised revisions to a tax incentive bill for ADM that he said would create jobs in a balanced way while solidifying ADM's presence in Illinois. 3) Tom Cullerton said a jobs package for Office Max and Univar shows Illinois is competitive and determined to bring new jobs to the state. 4) Hunter said the South Side of Chicago desperately needs new trauma centers to reduce violence-related deaths and that he is working with organizations to develop concrete solutions.

1. Illinois Senate Dems
The Week in Quotes

2. Pensions
John Sullivan: “This
proposal has a drastic
and negative impact on
both current and retired
employees and, I believe,
it has serious
constitutional issues. I
understand the enormous
need for pension reform,
but this isn’t it. Retirees
have planned and saved
based on promises from
the state. It has to be our
job to find equitable solutions without breaking those promises. I
wouldn’t be surprised if we are back here in a year or two voting
on a new plan after the courts find this one unconstitutional.”

3. ADM Tax Incentive
Andy Manar: “This proposal
began as a deeply flawed
bill that would have
benefitted very few at the
expense of taxpayers. I
appreciate ADM’s
willingness to listen and
work with both myself
and local elected officials
that led to this important
job creation legislation.
Our state still has a tough
hill to climb and
faces many challenges that demand our disciplined attention; but
this bill is a step in the right direction, solidifying ADM’s current
and future presence in Illinois while helping create jobs in a
balanced way throughout the state.”

4. Office Max/Univar
Tom Cullerton: “This
package is proof that
Illinois is competitive
and shows our
determination to bring
new jobs to our state.
Companies should see
the direction the state is
heading and realize the
opportunities Illinois
offers.”

5. Trauma Deserts
Hunter: “We’re in a dire
situation. The South Side
needs trauma centers to
reduce the number of
violence-related deaths.
Immediately after the
hearing [on the necessity
of trauma centers], I
scheduled several
meetings with the
University of Chicago, the
Illinois Hospital
Association and the
student organization
Fearless Leading by
Youth so concrete
solutions can be formed.”