Here's what he said about the contributions of illegals:
"It starts with the basic belief and a conviction that diversity is a factor that enhances the quality of life for everyone who lives in our community; that diversity brings, both economic as well as ethnic diversity; brings a richness to a community that homogeneity doesn’t. So, we felt it was important to convey that message that this is a community that not only accepts diversity but welcomes it and embraces it.It’s because it is our sincere belief that diversity is an economic benefit. It’s in our self-interest. It strengthens our local economy. It’s allowed us to grow jobs in Elgin at a rate faster than the state of Illinois and the other Midwestern states." ~Elgin Mayor Ed Schock -
Now, here's the reality of Elgin's unemployment rate. Not so good. We beat C'ville, Rockford, Waukegan, and the state of Michigan last year. See for yourself. (Hint: You can click on it to see a clear image of the chart.)
The truth is that illegal aliens are bad for entry-level, low-skill workers. It hits hardest in the areas of the poor among us and people going for that first job.
Unemployment Rate Comparison
For those wonks like me who want to know the sources of the info, here it is.
ReplyDeleteIllinois: http://wic.ilworkinfo.com
US: http://www.bls.gov
Mayor Schock quote: NPR Chicago Matters program - Hemmens 10/2/07
- Doug Heaton
How's business? Business sucks for African Americans most are unemployed!. Business is great for Hispanics legal and illegals. Business is fair for middle to low skilled whites. that's all you need to know about the business world in Elgin. Lets talk about diversity. We are drowning in a sea of illegals and or hispanics and there is no end in sight since this city has rolled out the red carpet for them. Our Mayor and city council members are brain dead and can't figute out the logistics of what high numbers of any group or people represent to the economy, safety & security of this community and most of all voting power, until they figure out that the Hispanics will soon have a voice and vote strong enough to unseat all of their bleeding hearts Business will continue as usual.
ReplyDeleteI completely support your very courageous and intelligent stand on this very important issue. I have been voting in support of your issues every day at the Courier News web cite. We are not Elgin residents but have an Elgin postal address and have lived in the area for 30 years. We have done volunteer work for the needy for many years but we are becoming increasingly ethically and morally challenged because we are concerned that our efforts are abetting or may, in fact, be encouraging illegals, while needy citizens are deprived. It seems our politicians are afraid to take a stand due to the strong lobbys the illegals and their sympathizers along with the big busnesses that exploit them. Is their any thought to a national counter march in conjunction with the other organizations to bring this important issue back into the forefront of the political arena? What else can we due? Most Americans are not racists and fear being labeled as such. I certainly am not but the illegals and their sympathizers have been able to scare legal Americans with that tactic.
ReplyDelete