Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Illinois Senate Republicans Wednesday countered an earlier news conference by progressives by decrying their legislation.

“On top of ending the Blue Collar Jobs Act, this bill eliminates tax incentives that have helped support our agriculture industry for years,” said State Sen. Sally Turner (pictured) (R-Beason). “In districts like mine, where agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Biodiesel is made from products that our farmers grow, and especially our soybeans.”

Senate Minority Leader John Curran (R-Downers Grove) said the four members of his caucus with responsibilities for the state budget have been busy. “We are looking to do more,” said Curran. “We have record revenue, but we have needs in the state, but they are digging line by line way into the night, trying to find efficiencies and where we have disagreement on priorities and spending and addressing needs.”

Wednesday’s Capitol visit by Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson did not necessarily impress Curran. “We need more robust job growth and economic investment in Chicago,” said Curran, “and some of the mayor’s requests would be the opposite and would further reduce economic investment in Chicago, reduce job growth, and be a step backward — not just for Chicago, but for the state of Illinois.”