Report: Illinois hit hard by "job blackmailing"
Updated: January 29, 2013
SPRINGFIELD - A new report from an economic development watchdog group says Illinois is one of the hardest hit states when it comes to "job blackmailing." The report, by Good Jobs First, describes job blackmailing as a company claims it has offers from other states, seeking a sweeter deal to stay.
In 2011, Sears claimed it was being courted by other states including Ohio. It ended up getting an incentive package worth more than $100 million to stay in Illinois.
Good Jobs First is lobbying for more sunshine in these economic deals. The group would like to see tax liabilities for companies requesting deals to ensure that the incentive is really needed.
