Gordon-Booth Legislation to Foster Economic Development Goes to Governor

PEORIA, Ill. – To help encourage job creation and economic development in Peoria, state Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, passed legislation to protect enterprise developments zones throughout Peoria County.

“Democrats and Republicans agree that we need to do more to make Illinois more business-friendly,” Gordon-Booth said. “For years we have seen that tools and tax breaks offered by enterprise zones have helped businesses create jobs. This legislation makes it easier for communities to apply and continue participating in the program.”

Enterprise zones are created with the approval of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and provide a variety of incentives to businesses within an economically depressed area. There is an enterprise zone in the city of Peoria and another in rural Peoria County. Gordon-Booth’s Senate Bill 571 would make it easier for enterprise zones to reapply, by extending the date in which they can submit their application. The measure would also allow businesses in an existing enterprise zone to benefit from state incentives while their application is going through the official renewal process.

“The process to apply to be part of an enterprise zone is extensive and time consuming,” said Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis. “The changes that Rep. Gordon-Booth made with this legislation will give Peoria more time to complete our application and get it approved to ensure that businesses in these areas continue to have the tools and resources they need to grow and create jobs in our community.”

# # #