Illinois General Assembly --

Representative Bassi and Senator Jones Awarded

“Champions of Free Enterprise”

Rolling Meadows (February 2, 2005) – State Representative Suzanne “Suzie” Bassi (R-Palatine) and State Senator Wendell Jones (R-Palatine) co-hosted a business briefing Monday at which they were both awarded the Champion of Free Enterprise Award by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce for their outstanding voting records.  This is Representative Bassi’s second time receiving the award and Senator Jones’ first.

“It is wonderful to be recognized for supporting a healthy business environment in Illinois,” Bassi said. “I believe it is important to foster free enterprise to help provide good jobs for our families and keep our state economy strong.

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce grades representatives yearly on their votes concerning business-related legislation. The Champion of Free Enterprise Award is presented every two years and is based on legislative voting records over the previous three General Assemblies.  Legislators averaging at least an 85% voting record on pro-jobs issues qualify for the award.  Representative Bassi and Senator Jones were chosen to receive the Champion of Free Enterprise Award for supporting legislation that promotes a competitive business environment in Illinois and pushing for policies that will encourage strong business growth in Illinois.

State Chamber President Doug Whitley added, “Representative Bassi and Senator Wendell Jones have a strong record of support for our state’s economy and the men and women that work everyday to create jobs for our communities.  At a time when Illinois’ economy is struggling to recover, these legislators are fighting against higher taxes and burdensome regulations that could slow our economy down even further.  On behalf of the members of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, I want to personally Representative Bassi and thank Senator Wendell Jones for their hard work in the legislature.”

 "There is no denying that the success of our nation is directly linked to our belief in a free market," Jones said. "If we are going to continue to build on that success, then we need to promote government policies that encourage free enterprise - not discourage it. I am grateful that the Illinois Chamber of Commerce has chosen to recognize me for my voting record, but I believe the real champions of free enterprise are the people who get up everyday and go to work to make life better for their families and their communities."

“We must encourage businesses to grow and work to make Illinois a business-friendly state, especially in times of economic hardship,” Bassi said. “I am honored to receive this award and look forward to working with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce on these important issues in the future.”

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