SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Kwame Raoul (D-13th)’s proposal to allow more businesses to form health care purchasing groups has passed the Senate. Because groups of businesses can negotiate lower rates than individual businesses, the legislation will result in lower costs for employers and a greater incentive to insure employees.

“Purchasing groups have a history of providing superior care at competitive prices in Illinois and other states,” Sen. Raoul said. “I want to expand this option at a time when we desperately need to make our state more business-friendly while also making it a great place to work.”

SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) is pleased to announce a major effort underway in the Illinois Senate to renew and improve expiring Enterprise Zones, which were authorized nearly 30 years ago and are among one of the state’s most successful economic development initiatives. Sen. Sullivan’s western Illinois district includes parts of five Enterprise Zones.

 “As we discuss ways to jumpstart our economy and spur job creation, why not turn to an economic development tool with a proven record of effectiveness?” Sen. Sullivan said. “I look forward to hearing from business and community leaders, in my district and around the state, about what works and doesn’t work and how we can make Enterprise Zones even better.”

A report released by the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) shows Illinois led the nation in wind turbine installations in 2011, installing a total of 404 turbines across the State. Illinois was behind only California in the amount of power generated by these new turbines.

The Chicago Sun-Times highlighted the AWEA report with a focus on an Elgin based wind energy manufacturing company that is benefiting from the dramatic increase in wind energy use. In the last eleven years, Winergy Drive Systems Corporation has grown to employ more than 200 employees and is one of twenty-eight Illinois based companies that produce parts for the wind energy industry.

Springfield, IL — State Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) passed legislation out of the State Senate on Friday that will provide job creating tax credits to Illinois businesses. Senate Bill 2025 encourages businesses to locate or expand their operations in Illinois.

Joint statement from State Senators A.J. Wilhelmi (D-43) and Linda Holmes (D-42)

Governor Pat Quinn recently met with Caterpillar Inc. CEO Doug Oberhelman after news broke last month that Mr. Oberhelman sent a letter to the Governor regarding his concern about four states soliciting the company for its relocation. Although this letter was intended to be a private correspondence, its public coverage became an opportunity for an important dialogue about the state's business climate.

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Today, State Senator Michael Frerichs’ (D – Champaign) bill to protect economic development and job creation through the use of Enterprise Zones passed the Illinois State Senate with unanimous support. Many of Illinois’ Enterprise Zones were set to expire in 2013. This bill allows local governments to extend the timeline by an additional 20 years.