Stuart Fights to Crack Down on Corporations that Ship Local Jobs Overseas

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Big businesses that ship local jobs overseas will be required to pay back every dime they’ve received from Illinois taxpayers and barred from receiving any future taxpayer-funded deals under a measure passed by state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville.

“Companies that accept taxpayer assistance and then turn around and ship our jobs out of state or overseas should be required to pay back those dollars,” Stuart said. “I am a proud sponsor of this legislation because it will protect local jobs and save taxpayers money.”

Stuart sponsored the Keep Illinois Business Act, House Bill 3538, which would disqualify any business that has moved all or part of its business out of state from qualifying for any form of state credits, incentives and loans funded by Illinois taxpayers. The legislation would also require these businesses to pay back any monetary assistance previously received if they move jobs out of the state.

The measure is a key element of Stuart’s economic reform agenda, which will create and protect Illinois jobs while also lifting up the middle class. In addition to cracking down on corporate outsourcers, Stuart is fighting to reinstate tax credits for Illinois businesses that create jobs locally. Stuart’s reforms also help working families keep more of their hard-earned money by expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit.

“I am fighting to protect hard working families while also boosting Illinois’ economy,” Stuart said. “This measure helps protect our jobs while also investing in companies that create jobs here.”

State Rep. Katie Stuart represents the 112th district in the Illinois House of Representatives. Her office is located at 2105 Vandalia St. in Collinsville, and can be reached by phone at 618-365-6650 or email at repkatiestuart@gmail.com.