Galesburg Reporter

Judge Joe McGraw discussed Illinois' economic growth, stating, "When it comes to fighting for working families, tackling inflation, bringing back our manufacturing jobs, and supporting farmers, FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION," in a Sept. 12 Facebook post.

"When it comes to fighting for working families, tackling inflation, bringing back our manufacturing jobs, and supporting farmers, FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION," said McGraw, Candidate, according to Facebook.

In his Facebook post, McGraw shared a link to a WTTW news article focusing on the growth of the state’s economy. According to that article, while the state’s economy is still growing, reports from the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign indicate that the state is not in a recession. The Flash Index, which the institute uses to measure the state’s economy by combining consumer spending, personal income, and inflation-adjusted rates of corporate earnings, dropped in July for the fourth consecutive month.

Screenshot of Judge Joe McGraw's September 12 Facebook post | Judge Joe McGraw's Facebook page

In the most recent briefing from the Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, indicators of the state’s economic activity showed mixed results. The average unemployment rate for July increased to 5.2% from 5.0% in June. Inflation in Chicago also rose to 3.7% compared to 3.0% in June. Revenue Manager Eric Noggle reported that the state received a slight increase in revenue—$50 million above last August’s $3.435 billion—despite a $54 million drop in personal income tax revenue compared to last year.

According to Fred Giertz, an economist with the Institute of Government and Public Affairs quoted in the WTTW report, "the state’s economy is not in a recession," but instead it is experiencing "a slowing economy so far with a soft landing."

McGraw, who previously served as a prosecutor, private attorney, and retired Circuit Court judge, officially announced his candidacy for the 17th Congressional District in mid-October. His campaign heavily emphasizes law-and-order principles; he leverages his substantial judicial experience to address issues pertaining to urban crime and immigration. According to his official website, McGraw's policy positions include advocating for constructing a border wall, endorsing comprehensive immigration reform, and supporting state regulation over federal intervention in abortion-related matters.