Rock Island Today

State Representative Travis Weaver announced his continued support for small businesses in Illinois, stating, "Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, and I will continue to support and fight for them on issues critically important to their well-being and survival." He made the statement in an August 13 Facebook post.

"I am honored to have achieved a 100 percent voting record from the National Federation of Independent Business for the 2023-24 legislative session periods," said Weaver, according to Facebook. "Small businesses are the lifeblood of our communities, and I will continue to support and fight for them on issues critically important to their well-being and survival."

According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), legislator voting records for eight specific bills were examined to create a report card ranking. The bills include a House bill with new requirements for job postings—requiring employers of 51 or more employees to include salary ranges and benefits in job postings; voting against this bill supports the NFIB position. Another bill would require day or temporary workers who work more than three months with one client to receive the same pay and benefits as direct hire employees; a vote against this bill supports the NFIB position. Senate Bill 3649, which limits employers' rights to hold mandatory workplace meetings to discuss their perspective on unionization with employees, also receives NFIB support with a "no" vote. Additionally, the expansion of prevailing wage to include positions related to the removal, hauling, transportation, and disposal of biosolids, sludge, lime, and lime residue from water treatment plants is another bill where a "NO" vote from a legislator would support the NFIB position.

Screenshot of Rep. Travis Weaver's Aug. 13 Facebook post | State Representative Travis Weaver's Facebook page

For the 2023-2024 legislative scorecard put out by the NFIB, Representative Weaver received a perfect score. The announcement on his website notes that Weaver was the Chief House Sponsor of Senate Bill 2907. This legislation included the Workforce Development Report, which requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to compile a one-time report of all state-funded job training and workforce development programs in Illinois to better identify existing resources devoted to closing the workforce skills gap.

Weaver was born and raised in Peoria County. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance and marketing from the University of Alabama and a Master of Business Administration from Northern University. He tutors GED students and serves as a substitute teacher outside of his duties in the Illinois General Assembly, according to his official biography.