"Right now, Illinois is being out-competed by other states across the United States in attracting major investments to add new jobs in a developing and dynamic industry," said Illinois state Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon). | Facebook/Rep. Tom Demmer
"Right now, Illinois is being out-competed by other states across the United States in attracting major investments to add new jobs in a developing and dynamic industry," said Illinois state Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon). | Facebook/Rep. Tom Demmer
Members of the Illinois General Assembly are hoping a new law will help the Prairie State become more competitive when it comes to attracting "major investments" that would bring new jobs to the area.
The legislation titled House Bill 1769 made changes to the state's property tax code and created the Reimagining Electric Vehicles Act.
"Right now, Illinois is being out-competed by other states across the United States in attracting major investments to add new jobs in a developing and dynamic industry. We need to make Illinois more competitive," Illinois State Rep. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) said on Oct. 28 when both the Illinois House and Senate voted on the bill.
Demmer stated he voted for the bill because he wanted to give the state "a fighting chance" when it comes to enticing. good investments and new jobs to Illinois, but he believes more work needs to be done to accomplish that goal.
"This thinking has to be with us on every bill we consider in this House, and not just on an occasional bill to correct a major anti-competitive situation that we find ourselves in. This should be part of our thinking with each bill we consider. With every bill we pass we should ask, 'What will this do to attract new jobs to Illinois? What will this do to attract new business to Illinois? What will this do to keep the businesses who have invested here thriving here and succeeding here instead of moving someplace else?'" Demmer said. "The reality in Illinois, though, has been when we fight every inch of the way to deliver that kind of relief it gets held as political hostage in future negations."
Demmer also questioned whether Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-Ill.) would suddenly reverse his decision on the tax exemption like he did with the corporate franchise tax.
"Whatever the case is, this bill does make Illinois more competitive, so let's vote for it here tonight, but let's not flip-flop six months later," Demmer said.
The bill went into effect as soon as Pritzker signed it into law on Nov. 16.
It passed the state House of Representatives with a 110 to 2 vote and the Illinois Senate unanimously and was first introduced back in February by Rep. Greg Harris (D-Chicago).
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