Gov. Quinn Needs a Geography Lesson

It looks like Illinois is losing more job opportunities because of the state's leadership. Control of the state Senate and House have been in the hands of the Democrats for decades now and is currently under the leadership of John Cullerton, the Senate president, Michael Madigan, the House speaker and Skokie's own Lou Lang, Assistant Majority Leader.  Caterpillar cites Illinois' unbalanced budget and hostile business climate for its choice to open its new plant in Athens, Ga. and not in Illinois.  As you may remember, Caterpillar had received tax breaks from the state. However, it still views Illinois as being dysfunctional.  As I see it, if we can't compete with other states, we will continue losing vital job opportunities and much needed taxes. 

Quinn says "Caterpillar's decision to bypass the state was based almost entirely on Illinois' lack of ocean access and had little to do with the state's business climate." Last time I checked, Mr. Governor, Illinois has access to the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. Besides, Athens, Ga. is not exactly a stone's throw from an ocean.

Caterpillar CEO Doug Oberhelman penned an explanatory Sunday column in the Chicago Tribune claiming "Illinois hasn't done what's needed to balance its budget and Illinois is among the most expensive states for workers' compensation rates."

Vincet Romano is running against 16th District incumbent Lou Lang for State Representative. For more information on Romano, click here.