Workers rights amendment would be good for public budgets

Health care workers and union representatives rally at Edward J. Hines VA Hospital during National Nurses Week in May, calling for better working conditions at the hospital. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)

While there has been major progress in recent years, there’s no doubt that more needs to be done to improve public budgets in Illinois. Research shows that one of the most effective ways to strengthen our state’s finances is to have a workforce that is well-compensated.

Workers who make more money turn around and spend that money in their local community, generating revenue for state and local government through their economic activity. They also contribute more in income taxes and are less likely to rely on government assistance programs.