Illinois Gov Rauner Intends to Tighten Corporate Tax-Break Rules

Gov. Bruce Rauner has taken steps he says will rein in the state’s sometimes controversial system of corporate tax breaks.

But the announcement has been met by complaints from big business and longtime critics of corporate tax breaks.

The state now will demand that companies create jobs rather than merely preserve what they have. The changes also would eliminate special deals some businesses have demanded and gotten as they weigh offers to move.

The Republican governor’s administration says the changes are aimed at creating fiscal responsibility.

Todd Maisch is president of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. He believes eliminating tax breaks for job retention hamstrings Illinois in competition with other states for jobs.

State Rep. Jack Franks is a longtime tax-breaks critic. The Democrat says Rauner’s changes are good but not enough.