Small Business is the backbone of this state’s economy. In fact, 7 out of 10 jobs are created by small businesses. Over the past 17 years, 65 percent of the jobs in this country were created by businesses with less than 500 employees. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) is the largest small business advocacy organization and the leading voice of small business in our nation and, especially, in Illinois.

Following careful evaluation of the candidates in the race for State Representative in the 91st District, NFIB-Illinois SAFE Trust and its member employers carefully and decisively chose Mike Unes because he “best understands small business issues and will fight to ensure Illinois has a strong economy and good climate for job growth.”

Kim Clarke Maisch, State Director of NFIB-Illinois stated: “We need someone in Springfield to work against excessive government regulations and fight for our free market economy. Mike Unes is that fighter we need. He has earned our PAC endorsement.” In earning the support of NFIB-Illinois SAFE Trust, Mike Unes joins thousands of employers throughout the state in growing Illinois’ job base.

Since being sworn into office in January 2010, Representative Mike Unes has led by example, receiving the distinguished honor of being named an Edgar Fellow in 2012 for his outstanding leadership abilities. Placing leadership at the core of his legislative agenda, Rep. Unes co-sponsored and passed House Bill 2891, aimed at cutting legislative pay by 10 percent, after only a short time in office.

“I realize this type of reform will not single-handedly patch our state’s deficit. However, we didn’t get here overnight, and we have to start somewhere. Legislators need to continue to take common sense steps to right this ship,” Rep. Unes was quoted by Central Illinois media as stating following passage of House Bill 2891 through the Illinois House in April 2011.

But Unes’ push for legislative accountability was just beginning. Following passage of House Bill 2891, he went on to sponsor and

Michael Unes, 38, was elected to his first term in the Illinois General Assembly in 2010, beating out 16-year incumbent Rep. Mike Smith. Unes was first elected to public office as an East Peoria City Commissioner in 2007. He served as the Accounts and Finance Commissioner as well as Mayor Pro-Tem for the East Peoria City Council.

Mike has been a very active leader in the Community for many years. He has served as President of the East Peoria Rotary, Board member for the Young Professionals of Greater Peoria, Steering Committee Member of the Tazewell County Resource Center, Vice Chairman of the East Peoria Mass Transit District Board, Treasurer of the Itoo Society, and Ambassador for the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce.

In addition, Unes started a literacy campaign, together with the Rotary Club, for the Tazewell-Woodford County Head Start program. This campaign provided an educational interaction between low-income children and business leaders of East Peoria.

Since serving in the Illinois House, Rep. Unes has focused on a legislative agenda that includes fiscal responsibility, attracting jobs back to Illinois, and reforming state government ethics (which he believes starts with leading by example). He has co-sponsored legislation to give state elected officials a 10% pay-cut, passed a bill requiring lawmakers to cut an equal amount for every new program instituted, and sponsored and passed a bill to curtail pay raises in the Governor’s office.

Unes’ service to the community has not gone without recognition. He was selected as one of the “40 Leaders Under Forty” by Peoria’s Inter Business Issues in 2007, was honored as

The Mike Unes StoryEX AMINERthE MIkE uNEs

Unes continued on page 6.

Unes Earns the Endorsement of Small Business

Unes: Leading by Example

Leading continued on page 6.

• East Peoria Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce • Legislator of the Year by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police• 2012 Edgar Fellow for Mike’s demonstrated positive leadership• 2012 Friend of Agriculture Award by the Illinois Farm Bureau• 2012 Illinois Electric Cooperatives’ Public Service Award• Illinois Chamber of Commerce “Outstanding Freshman Legislator”• Guardian of Small Business Award, National Federation of Independent Business/Illinois

Postage

P.O. Box 8171 • East Peoria, IL 61611

Mike Unes:

A Recognized Leader

the mike unes ex a miner • nov ember 2012page 2

State Representative Mike Unes received a nod from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILACP) earlier this year for his accomplishments on behalf of law enforcement in the 91st District. The ILACP proudly awarded the first-term representative with the Public Official of the Year Award. The annual award is given to prominent officials that have made noteworthy contributions to benefit law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

Rep. Unes (R-East Peoria) was honored at Springfield’s Sangamo Club during a formal presentation of the Public Official of the Year Award. The presentation took place at a reception held for all members of the 97th Illinois General Assembly on March 22 of this year.

The freshman lawmaker has sponsored numerous bills supported by law enforcement officials, among them H.B. 3825, the Copper Theft bill, which Governor Quinn recently signed into law. The landmark legislation contains provisions to curtail copper and recyclable metal thefts in Illinois by increasing the difficulty of selling copper and inflicting harsher punishment for criminals.

Other legislation includes H.B. 1708 sponsored to allow SWAT and Tactical Response Teams

to utilize firearm sound suppressors, giving officers an advantage by keeping their positions unidentified in the presence of armed criminals. Suppressors also aid in police safety precautions by muffling blasts from firearms and protecting officers from hearing injuries. In addition, with support from the ILACP, Rep. Unes recently sponsored a bill to change the makeup of the Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.

Rep. Unes called his accomplishments on behalf of law enforcement to improve public safety “some of the most rewarding and enjoyable work” in which he has engaged in Springfield. “I’m honored to be recognized by the Chiefs of Police,” says Rep. Unes.

R.T. Finney, ILACP President, called Rep. Unes’ receipt of the Public Official of the Year Award evidence of his ability to sponsor common sense legislation and of his extraordinary level of concern for the safety and well-being of Illinois residents, noting that he could not recall the award ever having been given to a freshman legislator.

“(Rep. Unes) has supported public safety initiatives for all residents of this state. Because of these legislators’ individual efforts, they are being recognized as the 2011 Public Officials of the Year by the Legislative Committee of the Illinois Chiefs of Police and confirmed by its Executive Board for this honor.”

According to ILACP policies, recipients of the Public Official of the Year Award must be elected or appointed federal or state officials in Illinois from executive, judicial or legislative branches of government. Candidates for the award must have prior knowledge and comprehension of law enforcement concerns relating to state or federal legislation.

Rep. Unes’ sponsorship and support of legislation pertaining to Illinois law enforcement safety reflects his genuine concern for residents within and beyond the 91st District. His willingness to work hard and find answers to the problems plaguing constituents is a mark of the type of true leadership Illinois needs!

Mike Unes Honored for Exceptional Contributions to Criminal Justice System

“We do not recall this award going to a freshman legislator. That is a testament to Representative Michael Unes having shown the highest levels of concern for the well-being of the citizens of Illinois.”

~ R.T. Finney, President Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police.

Freshman Legislator Passes Landmark Legislation

the mike unes ex a miner • nov ember 2012 pAgE 3

Dear Friends,

two years ago, i was proud to support mike unes against 16-year incumbent rep. mike smith. over the past two years, mike unes has raised the bar for constituent service and surpassed every expectation for being a servant leader.

mike unes is a deeply honest and earnest man. his fiscal responsibility, efforts to attract jobs to illinois and his desire to reform state government ethics are exactly what illinois needs to get the state back on track.

i’ve known mike for many years and can say without hesitation that he is a principled man driven solely by his desire to improve the community where he, his wife and their four children live. his values and ideals represent what is good about america and our great state of illinois.

mike’s sensible approach to fiscal responsibility mirrors the responsible spending he and his wife, natalie, practice within their own family. mike believes in cutting spending rather than raising taxes. he believes that our state needs to prioritize spending so we can fund necessities rather than raise taxes that will hurt working people and kill jobs in our state. rather than allowing the state to spend beyond its means, mike knows how to tighten our belts and make difficult choices with respect to our state budget.

one of a handful of tried and true public servants in Central illinois, mike has made an outstanding state representative for the 91st District. as constituents come up to me and ask me about him, i tell them he’s an invaluable leader, a leader who studies the issues carefully, asks questions, and most importantly, has the courage to make right decisions, even in the face of opposition. mike understands the awesome responsibility he holds to his constituents. he understands the hardships families face, and he treats taxpayer’s money with the same foresight and care with which he treats his own family’s finances.

mike has run a strong, grassroots campaign and has demonstrated an enthusiasm and a willingness to walk door-to-door, visiting thousands of people in the 91st District and listening to their concerns. i applaud my friend for his dedication to those he serves and his belief in his own ability to make a difference in their lives.

the people of the 91st District have a tremendous opportunity on november 6th. the choice is not difficult. mike unes has proven that he will stand against those whose decisions that cost our state and its constituents dearly, placing illinois on the path to fiscal ruin. but not only does mike fight for those he serves, he offers a new path, a road that will bring fundamental reform to our state, helping families prosper and creating brighter futures for our children.

i’m proud to call mike unes my friend, and i urge you to support him on november 6th.

respectfully,

aaron schock

A Letter From CongressmAn AAron sChoCk

“mike unes has proven that he will stand against those whose decisions that cost our state and its constituents dearly, placing illinois on the path to fiscal ruin. but not only does mike fight for those he serves, he offers a new path, a road that will bring fundamental reform to our state, helping families prosper and creating brighter futures for our children.”

–Congressman schock

Addressing Copper Theft Epidemic

Since their inception during the 1982 recession, Illinois’ 97 Enterprise Zones have been used as an economic development tool that has created over 280,000 jobs and retained an additional 450,000 jobs. The 91st State House District is home to several Enterprise Zones, including Bartonville, Canton, East Peoria and Pekin. The Washington and Peoria Zones are located nearby.

State Representative Mike Unes was chief co-sponsor of legislation to extend these Enterprise

Zones and avoid placing 750,000 jobs on the line. Following passage of this landmark legislation, Jim Dugan, Corporate Spokesman for Caterpillar, Inc., Central Illinois’ largest manufacturing employer, stated: “Enterprise Zones are one tool that the state can use to set itself apart and make itself more attractive for investment. We have found the incentives offered in these zones to be useful and applaud the House of Representatives for reauthorizing them. We view them as positive for our suppliers, our customers and our own operations.”

Within the East Peoria Enterprise Zone, Caterpillar invested more than $400 million dollars in manufacturing modernization to expand one of its facilities. “No doubt, the location of this facility within the Enterprise Zone was a factor in the company’s decision,” said Rep. Unes, following passage of the legislation.

Caterpillar is not the only manufacturer expanding within the 91st District’s Enterprise Zones. In January 2012, Excel Foundry and Machine announced its plans to invest $15 million in plant expansions, creating 100 new manufacturing and engineering jobs in the area, as well as temporary construction jobs required for the expansion. Hitchcock Scrapyards in Canton has also been investing in modernization and job growth for Spoon River Valley residents.

Job growth and retention abound within the 91st District Enterprise Zones because of the zones’ important incentive for investment. Recognizing the vast potential of legislation expanding these zones, The Illinois Manufacturers Association lauded Rep. Unes’ co-sponsorship of the bill as a prime way to initiate business success. Simply put, the Enterprise Zone extension equals Jobs for Illinois.

the mike unes ex a miner • nov ember 2012pAgE 4

Creating Jobs in Illinois, Mike’s Top Priority

State Representative Mike Unes (R-East Peoria) says long-term tax credits for research and development (R&D) will benefit businesses and manufacturers, creating the stability and predictability necessary within the private sector for investment and job growth in the State of Illinois. The Illinois R&D Tax Credit originally took effect in 1990. Illinois is one of thirty-eight states to provide an R&D tax credit. Once earned, the credit can be extended up to five years.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed into law Senate Bill 0397 (P.A. 97-0636) on December 16 of last year to extend the Illinois R&D Tax Credit through tax years ending prior to January 1, 2016. The bill was signed as part of an omnibus tax package encompassing various modifications to Illinois’ tax code, including modifying the Estate Tax to keep family farms intact.

Rep. Unes has long recognized the need to improve Illinois’ climate for employers and

understands that a stable and predictable market with easy access to capital is the best formula for job creation and business development. For this reason, he has co-sponsored and supported legislation to prevent the Illinois R&D Tax Credit from expiring. The credit has lapsed three times in nearly a decade. Rep. Unes believes keeping the tax credit on the books for the long term is in the best interest of attracting businesses to the state.

“(The bill’s) got to be passed not just as a multi-year extension but as a permanent extension,” says Rep. Unes.

R&D a Necessity for Employer InvestmentThe lack of R&D tax credit programs state governments establish cause employers to view government policies as increasingly hostile toward businesses. Illinois has been no exception. The Illinois R&D Tax Credit was originally designed to create employment with businesses and manufacturers in the state while also helping to spur research and development.

Between 2005 and 2007, a maximum of 252 firms in Illinois earned the tax credit, and 61 percent of the R&D credits earned in 2007 were earned by the manufacturing industry.

The tax credit is of particular importance to Caterpillar, Inc., which expects to spend upwards of $2 billion this year on research and development in Illinois. Discussions between Governor Quinn and the manufacturing sector prior to the state’s passage of the Illinois R&D Tax Credit were marked with misgivings from major manufacturers regarding the “lack of stability and predictability in the state’s business policies.”

In the absence of a permanent extension of the Illinois R&D Tax Credit program, research and development investments in the state could falter. Mike Unes’ efforts to support legislation on behalf of business investments and research in the state are exactly what Illinois needs to remain competitive, grow the job market and thrive economically.

Unes is an Active Leader for Illinois Job Creation

Unes: Permanent Extension of R&D Tax Credit a Must for Illinois

Facebook.com/MikeUnes

State Representative Mike Unes gathered with Excel President and CEO Doug Parsons, Congressman Aaron Schock, and other dignitaries outside Excel Foundry on Wednesday, October 3 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the completion of the current phase of the company’s Wagonselller Road expansion project.

“I’m very proud to be able to advocate for such a wonderful project,” says Unes. “At a time when we see so many manufactures leaving Illinois, it’s great to have Excel Foundry here expanding its business and growing jobs.”

The project encompasses the development of two roads that were previously insufficient in size for

semi truck travel: Wagonseller Road and Shady Lane, which was renamed Excel Way during the ribbon cutting ceremony to express Excel’s commitment to conducting business “the Excel way,” placing customers’ needs first. The project will add 100 jobs at Excel Foundry, expanding the business’s jobs space by 33 percent.

“It’s because of the vision, it’s because of the leadership and determination of Doug Parsons and Excel Foundry that we’re able to not only retain these manufacturing jobs but to grow these jobs into this area,” says Unes.

When it comes to job creation and manufacturing, Parsons says Unes has been an effective team player for the 91st District.

“We’ve been growing, we’ve been adding jobs. Mike Unes has been an ally in our success.”

The project is a collaborative effort between state and local government bodies and private industry. State and local government contributed nearly $1 million to the project. An additional $500,000 state grant is expected soon.

Parsons applauded the outstanding cooperation between state government and local businesses and marked the new infrastructure as another sign of Excel’s continued growth and development. “I think everybody can agree that what this economy needs now is more jobs—more high-paying jobs. This project will help us to accomplish just that.”

The next phase of the project, which will include additional resurfacing and widening of three miles of Wagonseller Road, will begin next year.

“Manufacturing is alive and well in the United States and in Central Illinois,” says Parsons. “Last year we grew 60 percent and hired 98 employees. We’re going to hire even more going forward. We need great employees, and this event is very much about getting that message out. We want to build our team so we can continue to grow in a global economy.”

Adds Unes: “One of my top priorities as a state representative has been to help create jobs. We need more success stories like this here at Excel. That’s why I’ll continue to fight for manufacturing jobs for Illinois.”

the mike unes ex a miner • nov ember 2012 pAgE 5

Creating Jobs in Illinois, Mike’s Top PriorityWhen members of the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) contacted their Springfield legislators to garner support for a tax package set to bring substantial tax relief to family farmers, State Representative Mike Unes wasted no time going to bat for his constituents.

“It was an honor and a great opportunity to be able to work with members of the Illinois Farm Bureau to pass legislation that will prove significantly beneficial by providing tax relief for farmers and their families,” said Rep. Unes.

The legislation amends the Illinois estate tax, increasing the tax exemption from $2 million to $3.5 million for the estates of individuals who pass away in 2012 and to $4 million for the estates of individuals who pass away in 2013. Consequently, in 2012 up to $3.5 million worth of property can be passed from an individual upon his or her death without incurring an Illinois estate tax. Illinois estate tax rates on taxable estates can be as high as 16 percent, although Illinois does allow a marital deduction covering assets passing to a surviving husband or wife.

The federal estate tax rate remains at 35 percent for 2012.

Understanding the Estate TaxThe estate tax, coined the “death tax” in the1990s by many of its opponents, is a tax imposed by the federal and some state governments on the transfer of an individual’s “taxable estate.” This property may be transferred from a trust, by a will or by the payment of life insurance benefits or financial account sums to beneficiaries. Legislators’ decision to change the estate tax law to provide for additional benefits to estates of descendents in Illinois is a timely advantage to farmers that wish to pass their property onto the next generation following their death and keep the farm and its value in the family. Rep. Unes believes the legislature’s action goes beyond reforming tax policy and comments on the future of Illinois’ business success, including the agricultural sector.

“This legislation is clearly a huge step toward

creating an environment in Illinois that is attractive to business development and the agricultural industry, and toward providing relief to individuals,” said Unes. Rep. Unes has been a longtime advocate of bringing jobs back to Illinois and creating an environment for business growth. His bold leadership in the state house has worked to implement common-sense solutions to the problems Illinois has faced.

Estate Tax Changes a Victory for Family Farms

Manufacturing is ‘Alive and Well’ with Excel Road Expansion

the mike unes ex a miner • nov ember 2012page 6

the East Peoria Chamber’s “2006 Ambassador of the Year” during its 2007 awards banquet. In 2012, he was awarded East Peoria Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the East Peoria Chamber of Commerce, as well as Legislator of the Year by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, recipient of the 2012 Public Service Award by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives, and was selected to be one of 40 outstanding leaders in Illinois to participate in the inaugural class of the Edgar Fellowship Program at the University of Illinois.

Unes is a life-long resident of Central Illinois, as well as a 1996 graduate of Bradley University. Although Mike enjoys serving his community and keeping active with community service activities, he is most proud of his family. Mike and his wife Natalie were married in 1998 and have four children – Meghan (11), Nathan (9), Michelle (8), and Nicholas (4). In his free time, Mike enjoys playing sports, following baseball, reading and spending quality time with his family.

Unes continued from page 1.

pass legislation to cap salary increases in the Governor’s Office, stating: “I am pleased that my colleagues agree that double-digit pay raises are unrealistic, especially when our state is faced with a $15 billion deficit. With so many people needing to take pay-cuts, furlough days or being one of the many currently unemployed, these double-digit pay raises were a slap in the face to the taxpayers, especially after the passage of the 66 percent tax increase in the lame duck session last year.”

Making history, Unes sponsored and passed landmark legislation to require legislators to identify corresponding budget cuts for any new programs they hope to create. House Bill 111, also known as Pay-Go Budgeting, requires elected officials to set priorities and make responsible choices regarding whether to continue funding certain programs or

allow them to expire. Prior to Unes’ stewardship of this bill, similar legislation was not allowed out of the Rules Committee. For the first time in the Illinois House, Rep. Unes not only passed the bill but did so with both Democrat and Republican co-sponsors.

Although Rep. Unes kept a fast-paced, productive schedule his first year in office, he exercised good stewardship of his funds and reimbursed $22,736 of his yearly office allotment of $34,705 to the state to help mitigate Illinois’ mountainous debt.

“When faced with a massive state deficit and social service agencies and vendors are not receiving the funding owed to them, small steps like these are necessary,” said Rep. Unes. “State legislators must lead by example. While my office operated on less, a high level of constituent service was maintained.”

Unes’ efficient use of technology to communicate with taxpayers assisted in reducing spending. When possible, he communicated by email rather than paying postage. He also reduced the number of unsolicited mailers regarding state issues. Although he maintained the publication of a yearly newsletter, Rep. Unes e-maileded it and posted it on his website, opting not to pay in excess of $15,000 in printing and postage costs.

Leaders by example are exactly the type of representatives our state and its citizens require. Mike Unes has never forgotten what it means to be a public servant and has never placed his re-election above taxpayers’ best interests. The fruits of his leadership must be encouraged and rewarded this November.

Leading continued from page 1.

An Active LeAder For An Active community

the mike unes ex a miner • nov ember 2012 pAgE 7

Representative Mike Unes was selected to Co-Chair the Illinois Firearms Awareness Task Force. The 23-member volunteer Task Force was created under passage of House Resolution 550. The Task Force’s duties include analyzing data from states with Concealed Carry laws for the purpose of evaluating how the enactment of such laws would benefit Illinois public safety.

As Co-Chair of this task force, Rep. Unes emphasized the importance of bringing forward local law enforcement, local government and representatives of the medical community. These community leaders offered a unique perspective on how Concealed Carry in Illinois will help mitigate crime and restore to law-abiding citizens the Constitutional Right that Chicago Machine politicians stole from them.

Joining Rep. Unes to testify at the hearings were Sheriff Robert Huston of Tazewell County; Dr. John Wipfler, Associate Professor at UICOMP and a Central Illinois Emergency Physician; Diane Wipfler, a mother of young children; Brian Fengel, Chief of Police for Bartonville; and Gary Thomas, Supervisor for Hollis Township. Each offered testimony in support for Concealed Carry legislation. A support letter was also read into the record from Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis.“From Sheriff Huston’s explanation of how violent

crime would be reduced to Diane Wipfler’s emotional testimony of Concealed Carry’s safety benefits for mothers, especially those who travel with children, it was a very powerful and informative hearing,” said Rep. Unes.

“It is excellent news to any medical doctor and to any decent human being when violent crimes decrease. In other countries that have unfortunately chosen to deny their citizens the ability to carry a handgun for self-defense, their violent crime rate has skyrocketed. Also, home-invasions and murder and assault rates have all increased in those places,” said Dr. John Wipfler, who offered testimony from the point of view of a medical professional.

After a series of task force hearings in Springfield and Chicago, testimony failed to show an increase in the crime rate in states with Concealed Carry laws. In fact, even the most

rabid anti-gunners who testified conceded that crime does not go up and in many cases goes down with Concealed Carry laws.

The Task Force is expected to publish a full report before the end of the year. Rep. Unes says he is optimistic about its findings:

“I am hopeful that this report may help to provide some cover for my colleagues that represent highly urban districts in Cook County. Concealed Carry received more votes the last time it came up than it had ever received when presented in the past. We are making great progress. Many of my colleagues in Chicago may want to support this law but simply need an impartial report where both sides of the debate were heard out and where statistics were presented in an unbiased way. I hope this will help them to defend their vote in favor of restoring our Rights.”

Who can we trust to protect our Second Amendment rights?

MIKE UNESHe’ll Protect Our Gun RightsMike Unes is a sportsman and community leader we can trust to protect our Second Amendment gun rights in Springfield.

On Unes’ first day as State Representative, Mike filed legislation to allow statewide concealed. Unes strongly opposes the Chicago gun grabbers and fights to protect our right to bear arms.

Fully endorsed and A+ Rated by NRA-PVF

Unes Serves as Voice for Gun Rights on Firearms Awareness Task Force

CoMMUnITy LEAdERSSUppoRT MIkE UnES

“Mike fought Springfield to keep them from raising property taxes.”

“There’s no question that Springfield would have forced us to raise property taxes, but

Mike Unes worked hard to stop them.”

“Mike Unes is focused on creating jobs.” “Mike gets it; investment in our

manufacturers means good jobs for working families.”

“Mike understands that growth in our community means jobs

for our region.” “Mike Unes is a great State Representative with the highest integrity.”

Mike has earned the endorsement of:Associated Builders & Contractors, Inc.- IllinoisIllinois State Rifle Association - PVF Tooling & Manufacturing Association Illinois Chamber of Commerce PAC Illinois Federation for Right to Life PAC Township Officials of Illinois PAC National Rifle Association - PVF

Alliance PAC (School Boards, Supts, Principals) Business PAC of Central Illinois (BizPAC) ABATE PAC Illinois Federation of Teachers PAC STAND for Children Healthcare Council of Illinois

Paid for by Citizens for Unes. A copy of our report is (or will be filed) with the Illinois State Board of Elections, 2329 S. MacArthur Blvd., Spring

field, IL 62704.