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* From the Illinois Policy Institute…
Earlier this year Texas Gov. Rick Perry wrote a letter to Illinois’ businesses and individuals trying to sell them on a move to Texas. The sales pitch was simple — it wasn’t tax credits, grants or sweetheart deals. The sales pitch was this — Texas doesn’t have an income tax.
As we learned yesterday, ADM pays next to no state income tax. That’s why it wants an EDGE tax credit. Lowering the company’s tax rate wouldn’t provide ADM with the money it wants to locate its new world headquarters and tech center in Chicago.
* I don’t like these “incentives” much, particularly when it involves moving a company from one part of Illinois to another.
But we need to focus on facts and not simple-minded ideology as this debate goes forward - and it will go forward. The state tax rate means little to nothing to ADM.
Zurich North America explained to the House Revenue Committee yesterday that insurance companies don’t pay corporate income taxes. They pay a different sort of tax. ZNA wants an EDGE credit to move its headquarters less than a mile within Schaumburg to a TIF district.
The tax rate did, however, mean something to CME, which loudly threatened to pull out of Chicago. But even there, the story I’m told is that some complicated tax changes took effect without CME taking notice and its tax burden went way up.
* The other easy way out is the liberal perspective that this “corporate welfare” must absolutely end. Yet, for the most part, we hear nothing about truly reforming workers’ comp laws from that crowd - and workers’ comp costs are far more likely to send companies to other states than corporate taxes.
* And while the two extremes debate, Texas, Florida, Indiana, Wisconsin, etc. are all trying to poach our companies. Maybe you don’t care. But we need jobs here, man. And considering our national reputation - even though some of it is undeserved - it’s crystal clear that business execs ain’t keen on coming here and/or expanding here without some state help.
* Almost never mentioned is our low entrepreneurial rate here. We have a climate that simply doesn’t encourage innovative startups, unless those startup folks have some insider knowledge or help. As just one example, restaurants in Chicago have such a powerful lobby that the city had to impose ridiculous limits on food trucks. The overly restrictive medical marijuana law is another. We’re just too afraid of change.
* What we need is a sane, rational, but innovative tax and regulatory system here.
The fracking law shows that this is possible. All sides came together and we should soon be reaping the benefits.
So, it can be done. But we need real leadership at the top which can convince the entrenched interests on all sides that we all benefit when we open the door to innovation.
I don’t advocate following the Texas model. We need our own.
* Instead of a question today, how about we talk about things we’ve seen that are messed up and how we can fix them.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 1:02 pm
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We need to form a consortium of states that agree not to compete with each other for jobs using taxpayer dollars. That’s the only way to push back on this corporate welfare. Can’t we all just get along?
Comment by thechampaignlife Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 1:09 pm
In Chicago, the aldermanic stranglehold on zoning and licensing within their wards is medieval and undemocratic.
It’s insane that in 2013 that entrepreneurs should have to kiss the ring — or grease the palm — of an alderman to get approval to risk their capital on a development or business venture.
The practice is a violation of equal protection under the law, and an invitation to corruption.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 1:11 pm
Good points, Word, but it ain’t just Chicago.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 1:12 pm
Rich, I have to take issue with your description of the Illinois entrepreneurial climate. Chicago has one of the strongest tech and clean tech sectors in the country outside Silicon Valley. Tonight in fact the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial center (which runs 1871) is having its annual awards dinner. Four of the hottests tech startups in the country are competing for the big prize.
Hess companies employ thousands and are growing like mad. Lots of good stuff happening here.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 1:18 pm
===We need to form a consortium of states that agree not to compete with each other for jobs using taxpayer dollars. ===
OK, not bad, but do you think any of those states I listed above would sign on? Doubtful. And if they don’t sign on, then a non-agression consortium won’t mean much.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 1:19 pm
Understood, it’s an example of something messed up.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 1:20 pm
===Chicago has one of the strongest tech and clean tech sectors in the country outside Silicon Valley.===
Don’t disagree. But it’s still a relatively small part of our economy. So the question is, how do we do more of that in those and, more importantly, other sectors?
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 1:21 pm
Adam Pollet, director of IL DCEO, at yesterday’s hearing: “The major business drivers for where companies locate is not these tax incentives.”
Use the $2 billion+ a year in corporate tax breaks to help take care of education, infrastructure and public services (which also create jobs), and the private companies and jobs will come and stay. Business knows that Illinois is a good place to be; make it better.
Comment by eyewitness Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 1:27 pm
There are too many uncertainties in this state. Get pension reform done and figure out what a sustainable tax rate would look to make these payments and fund government services. Then make that tax rate permanent.
I wouldn’t open a business in a state that has a “temporary” income tax increase which is barely covering a pension ramp.l because who knows what could be coming down the pipeline. The uncertainty is killing us.
Comment by Phenomynous Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 1:29 pm
TIFs—let’s get the real information (not just Chicago TIFs but the entire state) out instead of relying on Ben Javorsky for the scoop. Plus, how about using at least some of the funds for education as originally designed.
Comment by Belle Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 1:31 pm
I’d like to start my own business one day, so I hope they turn things around fast!
Comment by mm Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 1:35 pm
We should do everything possible to enlarge our universities - population and scope. And provide more funding so that more state residents can attend, either upon graduation from high school or later in life. This is one area where I believe in “trickle down” theories. The more likely of a chance for someone to get into college, the more likely they will finish high school. A massive university presence incentivizes entrepreneurship not to mention a well educated work force. And no, I don’t work for the university system.
Comment by bobby dylan Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 1:36 pm
Don’t monetize the EDGE agreements, meaning they can’t take it against witholding. It meant for Ford and is now spiraling out of control.
More generally though, there needs to be a culture shift. If I business interacts with the State, the State’s attitude should be “how can I help”. That is certainly not the approach going on right now. It may have to due to the massive attrition that causes workers to have do more with less. But a general attitude change would be productive.
Comment by Rahm'sMiddleFinger Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 1:39 pm
Roll back prevailing wage requirements for local governments resulting from the 2009 law & consequent . For instance, if a development isn’t in TIF, local government assistance triggers prevailing wage. If a local government gives a contribution to a non-profit like a local museum, it triggers prevailing wage for that non-profit. As it is explained to me, even $1 of public assistance from a local government to a project, group or non-profit “taints the whole pot” & triggers prevailing wage. Basically by rolling back such requirements, Illinois can lower the costs of development and/or construction. Keeping prevailing wage requirements on a state level is a completely different animal. I’m just addressing local difficulties in attracting new construction, expansion or location of businesses.
Comment by LGHB Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 1:39 pm
Pollet is right. I’ve heard it said that the only company that ever moved anywhere for purely tax reasons was Exxon, which moved its headquarters from New York to Dallas because its officers didn’t want to pay state income tax.
Comment by Anon. Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 1:42 pm
Amen to the entire post. You hit it on the head with “workers’ comp costs are far more likely to send companies to other states than corporate taxes.” That is the biggest policy change we could make that affects jobs in Illinois.
The other issue we deal with so much here in uncertainty. There is a lot of it, we have fiscal uncertainty, we have a legislature that wants to increase the minimum wage, every once in a while a legislator will bring up something insane and start playing games (think structural work act).
While some of these things are just political games, businesses don’t view them as that, they view them as threats. Illinois needs to fix it’s attitude and try to be a stable place for businesses to exist and employ people. All that being said, we don’t need to become Texas where there are no regulations or protections for people, but we need to change how we operate and think.
Comment by Ahoy! Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 1:43 pm
The two taxes business dislikes the most are worker’s comp and property taxes. Illinois property taxes are among the highest in the country. The main reason is that we rely more upon property taxes to fund education than any other state. The only way to significantly reduce property taxes is to shift education funding from mainly property taxes to mainly state taxes.
Comment by reformer Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 2:02 pm
Expecting other states to agree not to compete against each other for jobs and companies is naive, at best. It’s a jungle out there. Come up with a better product (Illinois) and the companies will come. This state is teeming with resources - the rivers and the Lake, railroad and concrete roads flow thru the state. Folks downstate want and need jobs and will work hard. Frakking is here to stay and that will help alot.
My buggaboo is the port terminal contract negotiations failed in Chicago. Emanuel nixed the negotiations. That’s too bad. The port is a vastly underutilized and valuable asset. I suspect that the bidder may have wanted more concessions that the Mayor would give - thinking that the city was so desperate that they would sign away too much. I am not privy to anything so don’t know. I had a friend who worked on the tugs in the harbor and it is sad to see the business go to Indiana.
Comment by dupage dan Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 2:24 pm
Notice that income tax is not a consideration - because they are still low comparatively. Even with the “temporary” increase. If we lower property taxes we have to make it up somewhere.
Comment by bobby dylan Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 2:28 pm
—
The fracking law shows that this is possible. All sides came together and we should soon be reaping the benefits.
—
Yes it does, THOUGH there you had huge money interest groups with backing to get pols to listen.
When you talk about small business, innovators and start-ups… they dont have billion dollar businesses able to bring clout and $$$ to the table.
Illinois pols need to start scrapping pieces of their regulatory and licensing schemes in this state. But they wont. Its a source of pride to many of them.
Comment by RonOglesby Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 2:31 pm
–The tax rate did, however, mean something to CME, which loudly threatened to pull out of Chicago. But even there, the story I’m told is that some complicated tax changes took effect without CME taking notice and its tax burden went way up.–
That intrigued me, so I took a look-see at their annual report. I can’t say I understand all the razzle-dazzle, but the numbers are interesting.
Here’s what CME paid in income taxes the last three years (not broken down by jurisdiction).
2010: $769.8 million
2011: $122.1 million
2012: $786.7 million
A note in the annual report:
–In 2011, we reduced our income tax provision by
$646.0 million due largely to a revaluation of our
existing deferred tax liabilities resulting from a
change in state tax apportionment. This revaluation contributed to an increase in the effective tax rate in 2012 when compared with 2011 and a decrease in the effective tax rate in 2011 when compared with 2010.–
I don’t know what that means.
But they enjoyed a $646 million cut in tax liability one year, then it went up the next year by $644 million.
Was their Illinois deal a one-off? I don’t remember it that way. And I find it hard to believe that that the state snuck through a $644 million tax increase on them.
Way above my pay grade. But CME does pay income taxes, unlike some of the of the Big Dogs like ADM.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 2:33 pm
—
Chicago has one of the strongest tech and clean tech sectors in the country outside Silicon Valley
—
actually as far as tech we are still pretty small, look north of Austin TX, in Boston and West of Boston in the burbs there, North Carolina is booming with Tech.
Tech is Chicago is a small % of any dollars. And unless you are silicon valley where billion dollar companies spring up and thus you get the revenue from it you cant strangle the rest of the business. Ever think part of the reason some tech can land in chicago is because almost nothing else can start in chicago?
Comment by RonOglesby Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 2:35 pm
It’s unlikely ever to happen, but Congress ought to step in and level the playing field for all states: pass a federal law that prohibits individual state subsidies that exist purely for interstate competition.
I know that’s difficult concept to put in bill form and it’s even more unlikely to ever pass; but this trench warfare among states - even municipalities - as they “compete” has to stop. It’s a race to the bottom with no winners.
The NYT had an excellent investigative piece on this subject last year, definitely worth a read.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/02/us/how-local-taxpayers-bankroll-corporations.html?_r=0
Comment by Jimmy 87 Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 2:39 pm
@JImmy 87
not sure that is a good idea. A state can try to attract any business (or individuals) it wants to with its policies and incentives. Its that whole laboratories of the states thing. Going reactive federally to protect states with bad business climates isn’t a solution.
I really think Chicago needs to get out of the Zoning and approval of businesses the way they are now. Setting up a business, incorporating, getting licensed, getting permits for construction all needs to be simplified.
the state needs to get a life on its licensing and get its own house in order. The stability and predictability of a state is required when starting a spread sheet.
On top of that execs do actually look at personal income tax rates, property taxes, etc all has to how it will impact them and their talent they are trying to attract. the “Temporary” tax increase is never going away. Go ahead and say it and get other stuff inline.
Sorry, people do financial calculations all day. And when you dont know what the rates are going to do (go up, go down, stay flat) or what the rules are going to be, you cant make the types of decisions you need to.
Comment by RonOglesby Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 2:49 pm
reformer, you are saying what is in Martire’s data in the CTBA. He showed a chart in which we overly-rely on property taxes, compared to the rest of the country. I agree in principle with making the state income tax progressive and levying some service taxes to help close the structural deficit between the revenue we collect and the social services we mostly like–also closing tax loopholes when possible.
We have dramatic changes whose impact we will soon observe: recreational marijuana legalization in two states. We will watch and see how this impacts the states’ economies. We will also get a small taste of the marijuana business ourselves.
I think we need to stop worrying so much about what big business needs and start worrying more about what labor and small businesses need. Consumer demand drives economic growth. Right now, the only growth happening in the economy is for the very wealthy. They are having a marvelous recovery. We should raise the national mimimum wage at least a few dollars. The ACA might turn out to be very good for poor and middle-class uninsured people who will at least able to begin paying their medical bills, and who might gain some economic autonomy now that they have different options to buy health insurance outside of work.
This past weekend I was in Wisconsin and drove through a small bit of the state. I drove down Highway 50 and took the interstate to Madison. I tell you, I didn’t see much economic growth. I didn’t see much in the way of former Illinois businesses opened up in Wisconsin. The way some people talk, it sounds like there was a mass exodus to Wisconsin, and there are businesses all over the place.
Some of you have excellent ideas. I wish you were running the government instead some of the current politicians.
Comment by Grandson of Man Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 2:57 pm
…”start worrying more about what labor and small businesses need”
Sometimes (most times) those are very much in opposition.
Comment by RonOglesby Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 3:02 pm
take one power away from Chicago alderman and the time of meetings and the paper/ computer work involved will drop an astounding percent….traffic matters.
these things should be left in the hands of professionals. A stop sign, or a speed bump, should not be the fiat of a member of the City council. it should not be an ordinance. ordinances should be reserved for important matters. perhaps not zoning, but certainly not a stop sign.
an ordinance for a stop sign is not legislation. it’s a sign of a legislature that is not functioning. change it.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 3:10 pm
===do you think any of those states I listed above would sign on?===
Might be something the feds have to step in to force on unwilling states as part of interstate commerce regulation. Which means its not gonna happen…
Boo!
Comment by thechampaignlife Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 3:19 pm
Jimmy 87 has a good point, though. The GA could at least prohibit intra-state competition. Leave it to the DCEO to provide a consistent subsidy package regardless of which IL community the company is considering.
Comment by thechampaignlife Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 3:22 pm
Red light cameras- that would be the first thing I would fix as a pol. They nickel and dime people and are actually proven to disincentive safe driving.
Comment by Boone's is Back Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 3:23 pm
I applaud your insight on this issue. But you’d almost need Illinois to stop being Illinois to do what you say needs to be done. Too many powerful groups profit from the failing status quo. Sure, they’ll end up strangling the goose that laid the golden egg, but in the meantime they’re very well compensated. I’m not at all optimistic about Illinois’ future, barring an all-out assault on the status quo.
Comment by jim Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 3:25 pm
One last thought is that the consortium states could not compete against each other but still compete against non-consortium states. Or better, the consortium states could pool their resources to make sure one of their states beats out the non-consortium states. After they lose enough companies, maybe they’d decide to join the consortium.
Comment by thechampaignlife Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 3:27 pm
==I don’t know what that means.==
@Word:
In simple terms it’s the result of a difference between the balance they are carrying on their accounting statements versus the balance that is subject to taxation. You have to assume a tax liability in the future because you aren’t paying taxes on that balance now. Eventually you will. So it’s not really a tax break over the long term. It works itself out.
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 3:36 pm
Simplify the tax code. Businesses don’t like paying for attorney and accountant fees either. Small start ups feel like the systems rigged for the big boys. The big boys feel like they always have to bribe, I mean “pay”, the piper (lobbyists, attorneys, accountants, candidates campaigns, etc).
Comment by Nick from Downstate Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 3:40 pm
wow
—
One last thought is that the consortium states could not compete against each other but still compete against non-consortium states. Or better, the consortium states could pool their resources to make sure one of their states beats out the non-consortium states. After they lose enough companies, maybe they’d decide to join the consortium.
—
And if companies did that it would be called??? anyone, anyone, bueller, bueller…
Comment by RonOglesby Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 3:46 pm
===Come up with a better product (Illinois) and the companies will come.===
We’re trying but corruption just doesn’t sell like it used to…and our latest product, tax subsidies, has a high carrying cost.
Comment by thechampaignlife Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 3:50 pm
===And if companies did that it would be called===
And if companies engaged in war? Yes, government gets to do things that companies don’t. It’s called regulation and protection of the greater public interest.
Comment by thechampaignlife Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 3:52 pm
Rich, you are correct about work comp expenses. My agent deals in IN & IL and my work comp bill would be a 1/3 of what it is now if I were in IN. I know of a company that had a 2M liability judgement against them for a wreck that would have just been a 25K liability in MO. So there are many things against IL that it is hard to compete against.
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 4:00 pm
One thing we could do would be to reduce our governmental complexity. We have a governmental body for every square mile of Illinois (slight exaggeration) - each with it’s own taxing laws and rules, which makes the process of finding out what you need to do in any given situation a nightmare.
The next thing we need to do is remove the kinks from government. How is it that they can build a house in a week (Extreme Home Makeover)? We all know the types of regulations that go into building a home (electrical, water), not to mention the various issues with contractors, sub-contractors, etc. They do it by being efficient with their time. In the same manner, we need to remove the bottlenecks and kinks from government so that our citizens can get the services they need in a timely fashion without waiting weeks or months before finding out if they are eligible or if they have to go somewhere else.
Businesses are made up of people. Make it easier for people to get what they need from government and businesses will move here.
I highly recommend the book “Extreme Government Makeover” by Ken Miller. It is a great read on how government can become what it needs to be for its citizens. Businesses are made up of citizens. You make it easy for the business’s employees (corporate, managerial, or grunt) to do what they need to do - and the business will profit.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 4:17 pm
Anonymous @ 4:17pm was me.
Comment by Name Withheld Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 4:18 pm
==And if companies did that it would be called???==
Neoliberalism??
Comment by eyewitness Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 4:20 pm
I think we should eliminate the corporate income tax altogether and only have an individual income tax. The corporate income tax provides very little revenue but it does bias corporate decisions to avoid it. On balance the revenue it produces is not worth the distortiions it produces in functioning in the private sector. Incidentally, I mentioned this to Ralph Martire in a private conversation and his first response was to think it was possibly a good idea. We do need the revenue, but it should come in a simple and straightforward way from higher income individuals rather than corporations.
Comment by jake Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 4:28 pm
In terms of drawing more businesses to Illinois, I would go for work comp reform (some human service agencies have a hard time finding a private insurance agency that is willing to cover them) and addressing the unfunded pension liability and general revenue/expense issue so that businesses could make a reasonable projection of future tax liability.
Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 4:31 pm
Did you cover the Liberty Justice Center’s food truck lawsuit against the City of Evanston? A food truck was supposed to apply for a license that city law says they’ll never get. You might attract a new set of readers if you start talking about those entrepreneurial issues, of which there are many.
Comment by Hy Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 4:38 pm
==The corporate income tax provides very little revenue ==
It provides like $3 billion. How will you replace that?
Comment by Demoralized Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 4:41 pm
Legalize marijuana. No, I’m not a user. Legalize it and let farmers make money growing it (and hemp). Hire people to grade it and make sure it’s pure, other people can build factories to process and roll it, stores can profit off its sale.
And tax the crap out of it.
Comment by Chavez-respecting Obamist Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 4:45 pm
As a point, these ‘Incubators’ don’t need to be fancy. probably better if they’re not. I envision walking into an old warehouse with a big open area, where people can write stuff on the walls, white boards, eclectic collection of ‘furniture’ and other items, central kitchen and bar, a deck out back, and lots and lots of storage spaces.
In fact, again, being really smart, have a monthly budget (say $5k a month) where a ;committee’ of the ‘residents’ can spend to buy up closeouts, or buy up surplus lots of different items that go into a community surplus area where if it’s 2 AM and you need a part to keep a project moving, it’s one of the first places you hit.
Comment by Judgment Day (Road Trip) Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 5:24 pm
There is no magic bullet but I can tell you without a doubt that tax climate and policies are one factor. So is Workers’ Compensation costs, infrastructure, workforce, proximity to suppliers/customers, and others. They all work in concert.
Illinois faces a HUGE pension problem that creates uncertainty. Two years ago, Illinois raised the income tax with a pledge of paying down state debt and reducing our pension debt. Two years and $12 billion later, our backlog of bills is still more than $6 billion and our pension debt has exploded from $75 to $97 billion.
What to do:
1. Major reform of the tax system. The best tax system entails a broad base and low rates. Incent the industries that you would like to have in Illinois - for example, the R & D credit will attract high tech and manufacturing jobs.
2. Reform Workers’ Compensation. In addition to primary cause, reduce indemnity costs.
3. Pass the Fair Map so that we have real elections instead of pre-ordained results.
4. Don’t pass term limits.
Comment by 4 percent Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 5:25 pm
By the way, everyone needs to keep in mind that the overwhelming majority of ADM’s income occurs outside of Illinois which means they have a small tax bill here. They testified that they purchase $8 billion from Illinois companies every year but the vast majority of their sales are outside of Illinois.
Comment by 4 percent Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 5:28 pm
Let’s get a reality check on those Illinois income tax rates.
Even with IL income tax now at 5% from the old 3%, we are still below our nearby competition in Wisconsin, Iowa, Missouri, Kentucky, Minnesota, and some of the larger counties in Indiana.
Iowa: starts at 6.8%, and tops out at 8.98% above $65k.
Kentucky: 5.8%, above $75k it’s 6%.
Minnesota: 7.05%, rising to 7.85% above $135k in income.
Missouri: 6%.
Wisconsin: above income of $29k it’s 6.3%; above $315k it’s 7.7%!.
Indiana if you live in Marion County (Greater Indianapolis): 3.4% + 1.62%=5.02%.
Michigan is lower at 4.25%. Indiana is 3.4% but counties usually assess at least another 1% and sometimes over 2%. Just marginally below illinois’ 5%.
Let’s face it. We had it good at 3%, it’s still pretty low at 5%, and given our pension problems the rates are going to be going up to levels approaching our neighbors’.
Comment by Kwark Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 6:36 pm
=> One thing we could do would be to reduce our governmental complexity. - Anonymous 4:17 -
Comment by Res Melius Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 6:37 pm
=> One thing we could do would be to reduce our governmental complexity. - Anonymous 4:17 –
I agree with “Anonymous” comment and I believe the discussion of consolidation has gotten short shrift. Illinois has the most political districts in the country with the ability to tax. I believe the ability to consolidate school districts, fire protection districts, townships highways to road districts is, at best, difficult. The mechanisms are just not there.
The increasingly complex nature of the activities (i.e. public safety, case management, human resources, fiscal, environmental, legal, etc) lead to efficiencies of scale. Obviously, this is politically difficult but I believe prototyping several willing districts, with financial incentives, would help make the case of long term benefits.
Comment by Res Melius Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 8:23 pm
We need to fix the mess that is our residential property tax system. It is very uneven and unfair, and has almost no transparency or logic.
Homes should be taxed the same way in each township, and it should be based on quantifiable facts. I would propose a graduated tax system that encourages living in smaller homes and condos to reduce energy consumption, which would be based exclusively on volume of interior heated space (floor area x ceiling height).
Dont tax unpaved land at all, to encourage more vegetation. Set up the graduated tax rates to add up to what is collected currently, and make up the difference with graduated State income taxes.
Comment by cod Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 8:50 pm
1. Fix workers comp.
2. Fix prevailing wage.
3. Consolidate local governments so business has fewer entities to deal with and regulations.
4. Don’t ignore quality of life which increasingly affects business as the economy shifts from manufacturing.
5. Invest in education especially technical.
Comment by Sir Reel Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 9:22 pm
As a “liberal” who opposes “corporate welfare” I have a question about Worker’s Comp.
Illinois is reputed to have the third highest Worker’s Comp rates. Isn’t Chicagoland / Illinois the third highest medical costs nationwide? Why can’t regional rates within the State be used?
I keep hearing about how much lower Indiana’s rates are, but how much of that is denying injured workers the ability to go to a MD of their own choice instead of the “company doctor” ??
Comment by Smitty Irving Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 10:21 pm
==low entrepreneurial rate here. We have a climate that simply doesn’t encourage innovative startups==
I would start by stocking DCEO with people who have actual business skills. I worked for SBDCs in Illinois and both of my bosses had never owned their business….one of the reasons I’m plying my trade in another state.
Not just tech, but any small business can quickly grow and become a major employer in the hundreds of small towns.
Comment by Vote Quimby! Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 10:23 pm
Newsflash-Cullerton backs cost of living cuts. We won’t go along with that any more then he went along with Quinn stopping his paycheck. Same reason, UNCONSTITUTIONAL!
Comment by Retired State Worker Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 11:08 pm
Having grown up in IL -and worked in Springfield -and having lived in Texas for about 8 years now, the absence of oil/gas revenue in Illinois (pre-Fracking in IL) meant the state couldn’t subsidize enough. There are two problems that the next Governor must fix in his next 8 years: 1) no more “What can I do for you on this the day of my daughter’s wedding” mentality; and 2) get 16 Senators and 54 State Reps to stand with you when you come up with compromise solutions to job growth that diversifes the economy, gets companies to locate in IL, not just relocate, reduces unemployment, gets people off of Medicaid, reduces prison enrollment, and adds to the income tax rolls. In short, the state needs about $15B more a year in revenue…
Comment by woodchuck Wednesday, Oct 2, 13 @ 11:43 pm
It’s not that “we’re afraid of change,” it’s that the people we elect have perfected the art of catering to moneyed “special interests,” and the dying hand of the industries of the past, still with money and access and power, use all that to get the politicians to throttle the industries of the future, “entrepreneurial” to use you word, in the cradle.
Your example of restaurants vs. food trucks is perfect.
More generally, at least in Chicago, the “graft and corruption tax” is just too high and there’s too much of a chance that the pols one buys either won’t stay bought or will be replaced and new ones will come around with new demands. This helps keep competition low and prices high, but by raising the cost of doing business and erecting barriers to entry. Everyone pays a bit every day so that our elected betters can live high and feather their re-election nests, and indirectly their personal influence.
It’s been that way for a LOOONNNGGG time, and it doesn’t change because the people we elect don’t want it to change.
Comment by Harry Thursday, Oct 3, 13 @ 12:32 am
An Illinois success story, on the fastest-growing company in logistics, going from startup to player in a hurry.
–Coyote prefers to hire young people who are new to the industry, put them through a rigorous training and apprenticeship program, and promote from within. It helps to be located in the region’s major metropolis. “Chicago is an awesome destination for kids out of school—especially in the Midwest,” says Navta. “It allows us to attract top talent.”–
http://roadshow.slate.com/how-chicagos-coyote-logistics-went-from-startup-to-the-middle-market/
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Oct 3, 13 @ 6:48 am
Cullerton has joined the Madigan, Quinn, Civic Committee crowd to back pensions cuts by limiting the COLA to half the rate of inflation with a cap of 4%. So if inflation stays low, retirees lose, and if inflation spikes retirees lose.
For years his chief advisor on such matters, Eric Madia, has been saying such moves were unconstitutional. Cullerton has rather respected that until now.
He has joined the chorus of saying let’s throw it to the courts.
The FIX is in and I now suspect that it will pass both House and Senate.
As to the Courts, well, I do not trust them- hope I am wrong. Remember, they are exempt!
Comment by Federalist Thursday, Oct 3, 13 @ 9:31 am