About The Policy Statements
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As the distribution network of the world, retailers ensure the availability of goods and services to Illinois consumers. No economic system in the world does it better or more efficiently than here in the United States in general and Illinois in particular. Without a healthy retail sector to provide proper distribution, vital goods and services would be unavailable to the consuming public. Retailers create markets, generate sales and provide front-door access to the free market – for consumers and employees alike.
Retailing provides careers for citizens of all ages, experience, and socio-economic status. First time wage earners gain vital on-the-job experience they can find no where else; senior citizens work in retailing to supplement pension and social security benefits; and, primary and secondary wage earners are employed by merchants in the stores, distributions centers and offices. Many others find careers in every aspect of retailing from merchandising to information technology to credit and finance to store management to food safety. Employment and career opportunities in retailing are unlimited. In addition to direct retail employment, retailers create jobs in other industries by increasing demand through promotion and advertising. Retailers are also the financial backbone for the state and local governments. Retailers not only collect sales tax but they generate sales tax revenue as well. Thirty-two and one-half percent (32.5%) of the state’s tax revenue is generated through the sales tax. Approximately $2.6 billion in sales tax revenue helps fund local government budgets on an annual basis. In fact, sales tax revenue is one of the few revenue growth components of local government budgets. Without a healthy retail sector in Illinois that encourages continued investment in personnel, advertising, buildings, and merchandise, sales tax revenue would not continue to rise and state and local government budgets would be severely and negatively impacted. The Illinois Retail Merchants Association’s (IRMA) general policy is to support legislation allowing and encouraging retailers to grow their operations in Illinois. IRMA will support policies enabling the free market system to operate efficiently and oppose those that hinder it. Only through a healthy and vital retail sector can Illinois consumers enjoy a wide variety of goods and services at reasonable prices. In effect, all laws and regulations which increase retail costs are tax increases on Illinois citizens. Given the uniquely diverse scope of retailing, the issue areas impacted by state laws and regulations is astounding. The issue areas in which IRMA lobbies are: Business Liability |
