Open season on Illinois businesses

Sunshine State offers Illinois businesses a brighter future

Ben VanMetre
Senior Budget and Tax Policy Analyst

More states are attempting to lure Illinois’ businesses in with their low tax rates and pro-growth policies. Texas Gov. Rick Perry started the recent trend by launching a digital, radio and print campaign explaining why Texas is a better place for businesses.

In an open letter to Illinois businesses, Perry wrote:

If you’re a business owner in Illinois, I want to express my admiration for your ability to survive in an environment that, intentionally or not, is designed for you to fail. With rising taxes and government interference on the upswing, your situation is not unlike a burning building on the verge of collapse.

If you’re thinking of “just riding it out” you might want to reconsider. There is an escape route to economic freedom … a route to Texas.

The lone star state has proven that limited government, low taxes and a pro-business mindset work wonders when it comes to job creation and a robust economy. If you’re ready for a fresh start in a place that appreciates job creators like you, it’s time to check out Texas.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn provided an embarrassing response:

We know how to do it in Illinois. We don’t need any advice from Gov. Perry … His state, frankly, is water challenged, and any company thinking of going to Texas better check on their water.

Water? Really?

That’s not going to work this time around. The most recent attempt to lure Illinois businesses comes from a state with plenty of water – Florida.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott wrote a letter to Illinois businesses stating:

While Florida’s economic formula is working, we know Illinois’ formula of more taxing and more spending ISN’T WORKING… We hope you book a trip to Florida soon, and we hope you make it a “one way” trip because we have the perfect climate – not just for vacation – but also for the future of your business.

In his letter, Scott flaunts his state’s zero income tax and AAA credit rating – strategic choices considering Illinois recently hiked its income tax by a record 67 percent and holds the nation’s worst credit rating.

Unfortunately, political leadership in Illinois has failed to see the writing on the wall. Instead of following the lead of the nation’s most competitive states, lawmakers in Illinois are looking to move in the opposite direction – higher taxes and more spending.