Manufacturers applaud Governor’s focus on jobs/business growth

Encourages additional pro-employer programs to rebuild Illinois’ economy.

The IMA commends Governor Pat Quinn for focusing on pro-jobs initiatives during his annual State-of-the-State address. According to IMA President and CEO, Greg Baise, the governor’s focus on jobs and exports is the right message at the right time, but can be expanded to further promote economic growth and make Illinois more competitive with neighboring states.

“While our economy has improved slightly over the last few months and we have made strides in Workers’ Compensation and Research & Development, there are too many people still out of work and too few companies looking to expand in Illinois,” Baise said. “Developing carefully crafted programs to address further improvements in Workers Compensation, tax incentives and educational reforms would provide the fastest route to economic recovery. It is no longer a question whether the state can afford to do these things—we must do them.”

According to Baise, the following areas should be addressed in the spring legislative session to help create manufacturing jobs and stop the exodus of Illinois employers to neighboring states:

• Balance the budget and pass pension reform

• Modernize and pass a long-term extension of Enterprise Zones.

• Create a new Manufacturing Tax Credit that will stimulate the industrial sector.

• Reform the Research & Development tax credit and make it permanent.

• Utilize stackable career credentials to ensure that employers have qualified workers.

• Reduce states taxes on electricity for manufacturers

“Manufacturing is still the strongest single sector of Illinois’ economy,” Baise stated. “In general, manufacturers offer high-quality jobs that pay middle class wages with health care and retirement benefits. Those are key jobs that must be targeted for expansion, and the IMA stands ready to support the Governor and lawmakers in their efforts to do so.”