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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.
SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Since 1987, the Southwestern Illinois Development Agency (SWIDA) has encouraged and stimulated several economic development projects in Madison, St. Clair, and Clinton counties. Two of SWIDA’s main
economic development tools are tax-exempt revenue bonds and quick-take eminent domain. SWIDA has issued over $375 million in low interest rate bonds, creating thousands of jobs and adding millions to the Metro East’s tax base. Used only as a last resort and only at the request and approval of local or county government, quick-take eminent domain jump starts stalled projects while allowing for property owners to receive fair, market value compensation. SWIDA’s quick take authority was used to assist
in the MetroLink extension to East
St. Louis, and the development of the Lincoln Place Shopping Center in Fairview Heights and the Parsons Place residential development in East St. Louis. SWIDA’s quick-take eminent domain powers expire on August 30, 2005.
Support renewal of SWIDA’s quick take authority.
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 East County Enterprises Inc. President Rich Sauget presents the 2004 Lewis and Clark Statesman Award to Rep. Jay Hoffman. |
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) planning of the Gateway Connector for Madison/St. Clair County; (2) lane additions and rehabilitation of the
I-270 corridor; (3) evaluation of the
I-270 canal and river bridges; (4) expansion of MetroLink light rail from Scott Air Force Base to MidAmerica Airport in St. Clair County; and (5) increased funding for Madison and St. Clair counties’ transit districts.
Support continued funding for transportation projects in Southwestern Illinois to support this region’s economic growth.
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 Depart-ments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, the Office of Science and Mathematics Education and the Environmental 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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| SIUE Chancellor Vaughn Vandegrift |
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’06. 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.
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| On Jan 5, 2005, President George W. Bush spoke in Collinsville, Ill. about passing medical malpractice reform. |
CIVIL LAW
Illinois has gained a national reputation as being receptive to nationwide class action suits that possess 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.
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.
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. |
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