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Last year, Gov. Blagojevich eliminated the research
and development tax credit as part of his balanced-budget
plan. |
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BROWNFIELD FUNDING
In 2001 with strong backing of the RCGA, the Illinois General Assembly
passed the Brownfield Site Restoration Program, which reimburses
developers for the costs associated with the cleanup of brownfield
sites. In its first year, the program was funded at $4.0 million,
and each applicant’s reimbursement was capped at $750,000. In FY
2004, the Brownfield Site Restoration Program received $1.9 million.
This brownfield program provides a “win-win” situation for the state
of Illinois, local jurisdictions and the private sector. Environmental
problems can be properly cleaned up; commercial development can
be promoted; older industrial sites can be competitive with green
field sites; local communities can be revitalized; and new tax revenues
can be generated.
Support the increased funding for the Brownfield Site Restoration
Program.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT
Last year, Gov. Blagojevich eliminated the research and development
tax credit as part of his balanced-budget plan. Companies with aggressive
research and development programs have benefited from this tax credit.
These companies are now re-examining their ability to make critical
investments in research projects that take a long time to bring
to the marketplace.
Restore the research and development tax credit program to encourage
companies to undertake comprehensive research and development projects.
URBAN REVITALIZATION/AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Historic preservation, community development, and affordable housing
programs can remedy the growing disparity between jobs and housing
in many metropolitan areas, both in terms of geography and affordability.
Similar programs that are generating success stories in St. Louis
are needed in Illinois. Development of the Metro East area will
play an integral role in the St. Louis region’s long-term economic
vitality.
Support programs that increase the quality of life in Metro East
communities, which means better schools, safer neighborhoods, affordable
housing, updated sewers and streets, and a cleaner environment.
INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS
Infrastructure is vital to the economic vitality of Southwestern
Illinois and surrounding areas. Since 1999, The Illinois FIRST program
has made funds available for many of the immediate transportation
needs of southwestern Illinois for projects such as Illinois Route
159, Illinois Route 157, Interstate 255 extension, Interstate 64
expansion, Illinois Route 3 connector, St. Clair County light rail,
and the planning and engineering for the new Mississippi River bridge.
Additional items have been identified for long-term bridge, highway
and mass transit needs: (1) renovation of the McKinley Bridge; (2)
evaluation of the I-270 canal and river bridges; (3) lane additions
and rehabilitation of the I-270 corridor; (4) planning of the Madison/St.
Clair County Illinois Route 13 outer belt; (5) expansion of MetroLink
light rail from Scott Air Force Base to MidAmerica Airport in St.
Clair County; and (6) independent funding for Madison and St. Clair
counties’ transit districts.
Support continued funding for Illinois FIRST transportation projects
and include long-term transportation needs in Illinois Department
of Transportation’s plans for the St. Louis metropolitan region
of Illinois.
TRI-CITY REGIONAL PORT DISTRICT
The Tri-City Regional Port District is redeveloping the former U.S.
Army Charles Melvin Price Support Center as a mixed-use business
park. The Port District, working through the United States Department
of Transportation’s Maritime Administration Port Conveyance Program,
has taken title to the Center property. The mixed-use business park
is projected to generate more than 1,000 jobs in the next 10 years.
The Port District needs an amendment to its charter to fully redevelop
the military base. The amendment would allow the port to be developed
in a manner consistent with uses prior to the Port District’s acquisition
and in accordance with the development plan approved by the Maritime
Administration. Such changes will allow development of a senior
citizen housing complex on the mixed-use business park. The Port
District’s expanded authority would enable the creation of a subsidiary
to seek certification by the Illinois Commerce Commission as a competitive
local exchange carrier (CLEC) in order to provide telephone service
to the base and adjacent port properties.
Support changes to the Tri-City Regional Port District charter
that is consistent with the redevelopment activities submitted to
and approved by the Maritime Administration.
REGULATIONS OF ISOLATED WETLANDS
Illinois Environmental Regulatory Group (IERG) and a coalition of
other business interests and associations have developed a proposal
to submit to the General Assembly in response to the United States
Supreme Court’s decision in Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook
County v. United States Army Corps of Engineers. The U.S. Supreme
Court ruled that certain waters of the United States — referred
to as isolated waters — would no longer be subject to the jurisdiction
of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ permitting procedures under
the Clean Water Act. The Supreme Court decision created a regulatory
gap, but the consensus among business groups is that certain wetlands
deserve of regulatory oversight.
Support IERG legislation that establishes a balanced approach
towards regulating and developing wetlands.
INVESTMENTS IN THE NEW ECONOMY
In the fast-paced New Economy, technology is the driving force for
change and for advancement. New and revamped technology-based businesses
are revolutionizing the economy and creating the jobs of the future.
States that can nurture and grow these tech-based firms will earn
a growing pool of well-paying jobs for their workforce, thereby
reaping exceptional spin-off benefits—world-class university talent
and their federal, state, and private research dollars—in addition
to an invigorated entrepreneurial community capable of creating
exponential economic growth.
Support timely access to seed capital for sustaining growth of
new technology-based enterprises. Support an increase in the availability
of venture capital, in order to fully capitalize on the State’s
continuing investment in science and research institutions.
Support assistance to emerging biotechnology businesses.
SIUE - SCIENCE LAB
Built in 1966, the Science Laboratory and Classroom Building at
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville houses classrooms, instructional
laboratories, research laboratories and faculty offices for the
Departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics and Statistics,
Physics, the Office of Science and Mathematics Education and the
Environ-mental Sciences Program. The growth of programs and student
enrollment in the sciences and the importance of laboratory experiences
for general education have strained the capacity of an aging facility
to the point of severely limiting its functionality. Piecemeal modifications
to the building have seriously taxed the building’s HVAC, electrical
and mechanical systems, causing these systems to fail on a regular
basis. The renovation and expansion program calls for a total of
215,150 gross square footage (GSF) to house state-of-the-art teaching
classrooms and laboratories, research laboratories, faculty offices
and all support spaces.
Support funding for the renovation of office, classroom, laboratory
space, support services and the expansion of the Science Laboratory
and Classroom Building by 28,000 GSF.
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Built
in 1966, the Science Laboratory and Classroom Building
at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville needs
major renovation with the growth of programs and student
enrollment in the sciences. |
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SIUE - SCHOOL OF PHARMACY
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) is establishing
a School of Pharmacy to serve the health care needs of the St. Louis
region and central/ southern Illinois. With the addition of the
School of Pharmacy, SIUE provides undergraduate and graduate dental,
medicine, nursing and pharmacy programs. SIUE also offers the necessary
general education, mathematics, and science courses that are required
of pre-pharmacy students and graduate transfers. The School of Pharmacy
expands SIUE’s education and public service to the St. Louis region
and central/southern Illinois. A target enrollment of 75 students
per class is planned with a faculty of 40. A new building in University
Park will house the laboratories and other essential equipment.
Support the establishment of a SIUE School of Pharmacy with an
appropriation from the Board of Higher Education of $650,000 for
FY’05. The total proposed budget (FY’05 to FY’08) to establish the
school will be approximately $4.65 million, with $2.5 million coming
from the State.
MEDICAL MALPRACTICE INSURANCE
Doctors and hospitals in Illinois are facing a severe crisis as
the cost of liability insurance coverage increases. Skyrocketing
medical liability insurance rates are sending doctors out of the
state; thereby damaging patient access to quality care. As insurance
becomes unaffordable or unavailable, physicians may be forced to
drop vital services and high-risk procedures or even close their
practice.
Support real medical liability reform to ensure accessible, convenient,
quality medical care.
CIVIC LAW
Illinois has gained a national reputation as being receptive to
nationwide class action suits that posses a tenuous connection to
the court in which the lawsuit was filed. The mismanagement of class
actions in Illinois courts has the potential to not only taint the
national perception of Illinois’ judicial system, but also impact
economic development efforts to retain or attract businesses.
Support appropriate changes to the state’s judicial systems to
foster a positive economic development climate.
UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TRUST FUND
The RCGA and other business groups have been meeting to discuss
ways to solve the massive deficit to the Unemployment Insurance
Trust Fund. Gov. Blagojevich initiated the “agreed bill” process
asking representatives of business and labor to meet and discuss
how to deal with the Fund deficit. Although employer UI taxes will
be increasing $250 million in 2003 due to the tax formula already
in place, the Fund deficit for this year is expected to reach nearly
$600 million by year’s end.
Support appropriate changes in the Unemployment Insurance Trust
Fund to eliminate the fund deficit without damaging job and economic
growth in Illinois.
WORKERS COMPENSATION
Rising workers compensation costs negatively affect job creation
and economic development. Stable and predictable workers compensation
costs will improve the business climate in Illinois.
Support appropriate changes in the workers compensation law to
sustain economic development and job opportunities in Illinois.
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