On June 28, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law House Bill 1698, a comprehensive overhaul of Illinois’ workers’ compensation system. The legislature is expected to save Illinois employers between $500 and $750 million.
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Members of the business community agreed. Gregory Baise, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, said, “This legislation takes a vitally important first step toward making Illinois’ business climate more competitive.” Tino Oldani, President and CEO of Ingersoll Machine Tools in Rockford, said, “This needed reform helps Illinois manufacturers compete in the global marketplace.”
Efforts by Governor Quinn to promote Illinois’ biotech industry also recently earned praise from industry leaders. On June 29, the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) named Quinn Governor of the Year, citing numerous initiatives such as the Angel Investment and Small Business Job Creation Tax Credit and the newly founded Illinois Innovation Council. Scott Whitaker, Chief Operating Officer of BIO, said, “Governor Quinn has spearheaded an impressive array of job creating initiatives, further strengthening Illinois’ foothold as one of the nation’s most vibrant biotech clusters.”