Welch Proposal Holds Corporations that Ship Jobs Overseas Accountable

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In an effort to hold corporations that turn their backs on Illinois workers accountable, state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, is sponsoring legislation that will require businesses that move jobs out of state to pay back the tax breaks they received.

“Companies often come to the state legislature looking for tax incentives to help them grow their business or stay in Illinois,” said Welch. “Unfortunately, sometimes after these tax breaks are given, these businesses lay-off workers or even move out of the state. I want to hold these corporations responsible for the broken promises they made the state.”

House Bill 3538, also known as the Keep Illinois Business Act, will disqualify any business that has moved all or part of its business out of state from qualifying for economic development assistance. Additionally, through this legislation, Welch wants to make companies pay back any monetary assistance they were given if they move jobs out of the state. Businesses will have the opportunity to challenge the revocation if they feel it is unjust or improper.

“At a time when huge cuts are being made to our social service providers, public universities and more, we need to make sure every tax dollar is being invested wisely,” said Welch. “This measure simply holds businesses accountable to the state that gave them a tax break in order to create jobs for our taxpayers.”