Illinois Elected Officials Discuss Policy During GSL Speaker Series

Greater St. Louis, Inc. today welcomed Illinois legislators, investors, and civic and business leaders for a discussion exploring policy priorities, opportunities, and expectations throughout the next year.

Edward Bryant, Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, Heartland Coca-Cola, welcomed the audience to the Andrew C. Taylor Center for Civic Collaboration. He and Sam Murphey, GSL’s Chief Strategy Officer, introduced two panel discussions.

Leann Chilton, Vice President, Government Relations, BJC Healthcare, moderated a discussion with both Jay Hoffman, Assistant Majority Leader, Illinois House of Representatives, and Representative Katie Stewart. The two Democrats discussed the recently passed $52.7 billion state budget, as well as the majority party’s priorities for the year, which include an emphasis on infrastructure, workforce development, and education.

John Keller, President, RiverBend Growth Association, moderated the morning’s second panel that included C.D. Davidsmeyer, Assistant Republican Leader, Illinois House of Representatives, and Illinois Senator Erica Harriss. The two Republicans discussed the importance of working across the aisle to pass pro-growth legislation in the state.