Earlier this summer, I hosted a minority small business forum where representatives of the minority-owned business community, legislative leaders and representatives from the state government all came together to discuss government programs available to small business owners looking for a pathway to success in Illinois. The discussion focused on topics ranging from the obstacles small businesses face when seeking government contracts to how we can create more jobs for a wider range of workers, representing all backgrounds.

I believe that the overall success of the forum was showcased in the emphatic tone taken by several of the participants when calling for more job opportunities and a better, balanced business environment in Illinois.

I echo this sentiment and will be working hard to implement the ideas and suggestions put forth in this forum in the upcoming legislative year.