Ill. Lawmakers Want Contractors To Pledge To Stay Here
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS) -- With many states trying to lure away Illinois businesses in the wake of a state income tax hike, Illinois lawmakers are moving to force companies that work for Illinois government to promise not to move out of the state.
The Illinois House voted 116-0 Wednesday in favor of a proposal to require bidders on state contracts to sign affidavits promising the company will keep its primary offices in Illinois.
The move comes as both neighboring states like Wisconsin and Indiana, as well as far-reaching states like New Jersey and Nevada, are trying to convince Illinois companies to relocate after a state income tax hike was approved in January.
Caterpillar Inc. recently told Gov. Pat Quinn that several other states are trying to lure the company away from its Peoria headquarters. The company's CEO has said he is committed to staying in Illinois, but told the governor that lawmakers have created an environment that's not friendly to businesses.
The measure now goes to the Illinois Senate for consideration.
