August 17, 2012

New jobs report confirms Illinois desperately needs new leadership

Highland Park – The employment picture in Illinois continues to be frightening for nearly 600,000 families. This week the Illinois Department of Employment Services (IDES) reported that the unemployment rate rose for the second straight month – increasing to 8.9%. With the recent announcement that Motorola will be laying off approximately 700 employees, coupled with lawmakers headed down to Springfield with the intention of shifting the pension deficit burden onto families – Illinois voters must change Springfield before it is too late.

“Is it reasonable, thoughtful and serious to continue to elect the same kinds of people to Springfield who caused the economic disaster we find ourselves in?” asked State Senate candidate, Dr. Arie Friedman. “As unemployment increases these full-time career politicians are in Springfield attending a special session that has been orchestrated by the Governor and Democratic leaders to increase our property taxes. We must send new elected officials to Springfield who care about families – not beholden to special interests.

Dr. Friedman offers a unique perspective on Illinois economic problems. As a pediatrician and managing partner in his medical practice, he knows what it means to meet a payroll and provide for families in dire straits.

“When you care for children, you spend a lot of your time talking to parents about what is going on in their lives,” said Friedman. “Families are struggling and the unemployment numbers don’t paint even half the picture. When you add under-employment, declining property values and increased property and state income taxes, too many families are barely staying above water. This must change!”

Dr. Friedman continues to demonstrate his independent leadership. His campaign is proud to have received contributions from over 400 individuals and is endorsed by the non-partisan National Federation of Independent Businesses and the Illinois State Medical Society.

Dr. Friedman is the Republican candidate for state senate in the 29th District. He and his wife, Michelle, are the parents of five children. Dr. Friedman is a graduate of the University of Chicago and finished at the top of his medical school class at the University of Illinois Medical Center in 1998. Prior to attending medical school, Dr. Friedman served in the United States Navy as a helicopter pilot. During his seven years of active duty, Dr. Friedman flew SH-60B Seahawk helicopters out of Naval Air Station North Island, California, from which he deployed twice, including once to the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Desert Storm.