Expressing pride in her recent endorsement from Illinois’ largest small business advocacy group, Plainfield's Michelle Smith, the Republican candidate for state Senate in District 49, reiterated her pledge to work toward reform in Springfield if elected in November.
The Illinois branch of the National Federation of Independent Businesses Political Action Committee announced its backing of the candidate recently from its offices in Springfield. NFIB/Illinois represents 11,000 Illinois small business owners.
“I am proud to receive the endorsement of the NFIB/Illinois PAC,” Smith said via her Facebook campaign site. “As Illinois' voice for small business, they know that we have serious work to do to create an environment where all Illinoisans can thrive. I am a small business owner myself, and [every day] I see the challenges that independent and family businesses face to stay afloat. I will fight for the reforms we need to create more small businesses and more jobs in Illinois.”
Smith and her husband have been small business owners in Illinois since 1990. The NFIB/Illinois Save America’s Free Enterprise (SAFE) Trust PAC endorsed Smith on the basis of her business expertise, as a candidate who thoroughly understands the difficulties faced by small businesses statewide, and as someone who can provide the perspective needed in Springfield.
“Michelle Smith clearly understands small business issues and is dedicated to strengthening Illinois’ economy and providing a climate that results in job growth,” Kim Maisch, the organization's director, said. “Small businesses thriving in Illinois is a key component to solving the state’s fiscal mess. We need people like Michelle in Springfield to work against excessive government regulations that kill jobs and instead work towards innovative ways to grow the economy.”
Smith has committed to reforming state government through enforcing term limits, passing a legitimately balanced budget, and overcoming obstacles to entrepreneurial success in Illinois.
As a community leader serving her school district since 1990, the mother of four has chalked up formidable experience with important decision-making. Smith serves as president of the Plainfield District 202 School Board, the fifth-largest school district in Illinois. She has accomplished budget consolidation and successful union negotiation, working on behalf of over 3,000 employees.
Equipped with the viewpoint both of parent and civic leader, Smith also earlier expressed approval of Illinois State Comptroller Leslie Geissler Munger’s "no budget, no pay" regulation, stating that it is crucial for legislators face the task of passing fully funded budgets in order to protect the state’s schools and social services.
“As president of Plainfield Township 202's School Board, I know firsthand how the uncertainty resulting from a budget impasse harms our schools,” Smith said via her Facebook page. “Not knowing how much funding we will receive from the state prevents us from making critical investments in the education of our young people. ‘No budget, no pay’ will provide the certainty we need to do our job.”
Smith stated that her qualifications for holding office include understand the values and needs of her community. “I am a concerned citizen who is stepping up and trying to make a difference in Springfield for all the citizens of Illinois,” she said. “I will not be just another politician.”
The candidate ran unopposed in the Illinois state Senate District 49 Republican primary in March, and will face incumbent state Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant (D-Plainfield) in November. District 49 includes Plainfield and portions of Crest Hill, Will County and Shorewood in the northeastern region of Illinois.
“When elected, I will refuse the state-funded pension [and] work with anyone who is serious about serious change in Springfield,” Smith said. “The people are tired of politics as usual. They want real leadership. I am a leader in my community. I have the experience. On Day One, I am ready to work for the people.”
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