Illinois State Representative Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) has been named a Champion of Free Enterprise, an award given by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce to legislators who have made special contributions to the defense of free enterprise, and the furtherance of economic opportunities for Illinoisans.
“I am proud to stand with the men and women of our state and local business community,” Representative Sosnowski said. “They are the catalysts of growth, innovation and job creation here in the Stateline region. We still have a long way to go to make Illinois a job-friendly state again, but I remain confident in our future because of the strong backbone represented by local job creators.”
The Illinois Chamber rated all members of the 101st General Assembly based on legislators’ votes on the key business legislation as determined by staff and the Illinois Chamber’s Government Affairs Committee.
The Champion of Free Enterprise Awards are given biennially to members 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. Sosnowski received a rating of 94%.
“Rep. Sosnowski is a solid voice for business owners and job creators in northwestern Illinois,” said Illinois Chamber President and CEO Todd Maisch. “He supports policies to enhance and expand our economic development efforts to market our region to the world in order to help local companies increase sales and increase jobs. We are proud to give him this award.”
The votes in the Senate and House are selected based on their impact on the business community. None of the bills used in the report are weighted, as there were an adequate number of bills voted on during this General Assembly.
“It is our job to educate our members on the record of their representatives and hold them accountable for it,” said Illinois Chamber Vice President of Government Affairs Clark Kaericher. “We believe the Chamber’s legislative ratings are an effective tool in determining that accountability and commitment to economic growth.”
Representative Sosnowski serves the 69th District, which includes all or portions of Rockford, Belvidere, Cherry Valley, Roscoe, Rockton, South Beloit, Poplar Grove, Caledonia and Capron.