Senate prepared to take up Enterprise Zone Extension

From: www.illinoissenatedemocrats.com - Since their inception in the 1980s, the Enterprise Zone program has been creating jobs and fostering business investment in communities across Illinois. Without action by legislators, Enterprise Zones will begin to sunset, or expire, next year. The Senate is prepared to take the necessary action this week to continue this important economic engine.

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IMA leading fight to protect and preserve Enterprise Zones in Illinois

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is leading the fight to protect and preserve Enterprise Zones in Illinois. On Monday afternoon, Senator Mike Frerichs (D-Champaign) and Senator Pam Althoff (R-Crystal Lake) joined with the IMA’s Vice President & COO Mark Denzler to announce a coordinated bipartisan effort to modernize and extend Enterprise Zones located in ninety-seven communities across Illinois. Deemed to be one of the state’s most successful economic development tools, Enterprise Zones have led to nearly $50 billion in investment and the creation and retention of more than 900,000 jobs since their inception in the 1980s.

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Governor Quinn provided his fourth annual Budget Address

(CLICK HERE to read the IMA’s Budget Press Release.) At noon today, 02/22/12, Governor Patrick Quinn provided his fourth annual Budget Address since taking office in January 2009 following the impeachment of former Governor Rod Blagojevich.  Under the Illinois Constitution, the Governor is required to annually prepare and submit a balanced budget to the General Assembly.

In the coming weeks, members of the General Assembly will review the budget, meet with state agencies, conduct hearings, and ultimately pass a final budget to the Governor for his signature prior to the scheduled adjournment on May 31. 

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NAM: Manufacturing Renaissance gains traction with your help

“This is truly manufacturing’s moment! Everyone is talking about the importance of our sector from the President of the United States to the candidates on the presidential trail. As the Chair of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) Small and Medium Group, I continue to believe a manufacturing renaissance is so clearly on the horizon if the right policies are put in place,” stated Kellie Johnson, President and CEO, ACE Clearwater Enterprises, and Chair, NAM Small and Medium Manufacturers Group.

“But we need your help,” she continued. “Please take a moment to view this short video to find out what the NAM is doing to support the manufacturing economy.” To view the video, click here.

You can also check out the NAM Website at www.nam.org and find out what actions you can take in Washington D.C and at home.

Governor Patrick Quinn offers his State of the State address

Governor Patrick Quinn offered his State of the State address to a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly on Wednesday and outlined his 2012 Jobs Agenda.  While more specific details will be offered during the February 22 budget address, Governor Quinn put forth a four-stage strategy for growing jobs in Illinois.

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