Peoria Standard

Jim Rule, chairman of Tazewell County Republicans, said that with 177,000 jobs added in April alone, President Trump's pro-growth economic policies are boosting economic confidence across the country. Rule made his statement to Peoria Standard.

"Trump's tax cuts and regulatory rollbacks are energizing the U.S. economy and boosting job creation," said Rule. "The Bureau of Labor Statistics confirmed strong hiring in April, with 177,000 new jobs added. Wages are up, and the unemployment rate remains near record lows. The data proves that America is open for business and thriving under this administration."

According to Politico, U.S. employers added 177,000 jobs in April, surpassing expectations and supporting President Trump’s claims that his policies are driving economic growth in the United States. Based on data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate held steady at 4.2%, near historic lows, while average hourly earnings rose 0.2% to over $36. Treasury Secretary Bessent said that consumer spending and labor indicators show a healthy economy.

In a May 2 post to Truth Social, President Trump said "Gasoline just broke $1.98 a Gallon, lowest in years, groceries (and eggs!) down, energy down, mortgage rates down, employment strong, and much more good news, as Billions of Dollars pour in from Tariffs. Just like I said, and we’re only in a TRANSITION STAGE, just getting started!!! Consumers have been waiting for years to see pricing come down. NO INFLATION, THE FED SHOULD LOWER ITS RATE!!!"

Rule is a resident of Morton and was first elected to the role of Chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans in 2018. According to the organization’s website, he is "focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the Party’s membership, and communicating the Party’s positions on issues that matter to Tazewell County voters."