Negative Ad Distorts Truth About Jobs Program
SPRINGFIELD - The latest ad Neil Anderson (R-Moline) against State Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline), is an attack on jobs across Illinois.
Anderson's latest attack falsely accuses Jacobs of supporting Senate Bill 3616, bi-partisan enterprise reform legislation for his own political benefit.
"The Illinois Manufacturers' Association championed SB 3616 because enterprise zones are our state's most valued incentives to boost local economies and create jobs," said Mark Denzler, Vice President & COO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. "This negative ad does not accurately describe the Enterprise Zone program and the important reforms contained in the legislation."
In 2012, the Senate created a bi-partisan committee to hold four legislative hearings across the state to gather input from business and community leaders. Community stakeholders agreed enterprise zones create and retain jobs for the citizens of Illinois. The bill passed with unanimous bipartisan support in the Illinois House and Senate.
The enterprise zone legislation included a number of important reforms including (1) creation of a new Enterprise Zone Board to ensure fairness in awarding zones, (2) expanding the program so that every community in Illinois can compete for a zone; (3) eliminating three tax incentives to make the program more affordable, and (4) extending the program for 25 years to create stability and certainty.
There was an overwhelming response from local leaders from the 36th Senate District that attended hearings and publicly supported the enterprise zone extension:
• David Blanton, Mayor of Rock Falls (2005-2013)
• Skip Lee, Mayor of Sterling
• William M. Foy, Mayor of Silvis
• Former Republican State Rep. Jerry Mitchell, 90th Legislative District
• Betty Steinert, Whiteside/Carroll Enterprise Zone Administrator
• Sandy Henrekin, Executive Director of Rock Falls Community Development
• Heather Sotelo, Executive Director of Greater Sterling Development Corp.
• Andrew Moore, President and General Manager for Sterling Steel Co.
As of 2012, enterprise zones promoted an investment of $50 billion and the creation or retention of more than 900,000 jobs in Illinois. Tens of millions of dollars were invested in the Quad Cities and surrounding communities along with the creation or retention of thousands of jobs according to the Annual Enterprise Zone Report published by the Department of Commerce & Economic Development.
The benefits of enterprise zones were highlighted in the 2014 Republican Jobs Plan introduced by Illinois' highest-ranking Republican leaders- Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno and House Minority Leader Jim Durkin calling on DCEO to create an additional 50 enterprise zones to grow job opportunities in Illinois.
"Perhaps Mr. Anderson is unaware of how enterprise zones are set up. Elected officials approve enterprise zones locally before final approval is granted by the state's economic development agency. The new law created a third tier - a new EZ Board - to ensure that politics don't factor into the decisions of who gets awarded an enterprise zone," said Denzler. "We're pleased the unemployment rates in the 36thdistrict are declining and we need more pro-business leaders like Senator Jacobs."
According to a 2014 published report in the Quad City Times, Tyson Foods (Joslin) took advantage of the Rock Island enterprise zone to expand their plant and hire additional employees. The company directly influences Quad Cities' economy - Tyson purchases $3.9 million in goods and services a year from local vendors; about 85 percent of Tyson's employees live in Rock Island County; and 50-60 percent of cattle processed at the plant are purchased from Illinois suppliers.
According to public information, local businesses in the 36th Senate District that have taken advantage of this job creation program include L&L Properties (Sterling), Menard Inc. (Sterling), Wahl Clipper Co. (Sterling), Hynd Farm (Silvis), Deere & Co. (Moline), and Tyson Foods (Joslin).
About the Illinois Manufacturers' Association (IMA)
The Illinois Manufacturers' Association is the only statewide association dedicated exclusively to advocating, promoting and strengthening the manufacturing sector in Illinois. The IMA is the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association in the United States, representing nearly 4,000 companies and facilities.
# # #
