Grundy Reporter

Defeating COVID-19 and making Illinois a place that people want to stay are top goals for third-term Rep. David Allen Welter (R-Morris) in 2021.

“Democrats and Republicans need to work together to position Illinois to effectively distribute COVID-19 vaccines and assist our economy to bounce back from the ravaging effects of the pandemic,” Welter said in a statement on his website.

The Republican’s comments came after being sworn-in to his third term on Jan. 13.

COVID-19 has rocked many states in various ways, including Illinois’ job market. The state, however, is dealing with outmigration that has some people concerned, including Welter.

“Illinois presently ranks second in the nation for people leaving for lower taxes and better opportunities elsewhere,” he said. “Our priority in 2021, in tandem with overcoming the pandemic, must be to reverse this trend by making Illinois more competitive for job creators and more affordable for families and seniors.”

He said lawmakers need to give recent graduates a reason to stay in Illinois since “too many” chose to leave the state for better opportunities.

“Whether they choose to pursue a college education, attend a trade school or start a career, we have to make Illinois a place where everyone can pursue their goals and succeed,” he said.