Scherer-Backed Legislation to Hold Accountable Corporations that Ship Jobs Overseas Passes House

DECATUR, Ill. – In an effort to hold accountable corporations that turn their backs on Illinois workers by shipping jobs overseas, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, helped pass legislation on Monday that will require businesses that move jobs out of state to pay back the tax breaks they received.

“We need to put Illinois workers first by investing in businesses that invest in Illinois,” said Scherer. “Our tax dollars should not be going to businesses that move operations out of state to increase profits.”

House Bill 3538, also known as the Keep Illinois Business Act, disqualifies any business that has moved all or part of its business out of state from qualifying for economic development assistance. The legislation also requires these businesses to pay back the monetary assistance previously received 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. Scherer hopes this effort will deter businesses that want to increase their profit margins by moving out of state.

“I believe it is good economic policy to ban deals for corporations that ship jobs overseas at the expense of our communities,” said Scherer. “By holding businesses accountable, this legislation will create jobs and help grow our economy here in Illinois.”

For more information, please contact Scherer’s constituent service office at 217-877-9636 or by email at StateRepSue@gmail.com. Scherer represents the 96th District, which includes portions of Christian, Macon and Sangamon counties.