Rock Island Today

Gov. Bruce Rauner recently signed legislation overhauling the EDGE Tax Credit Program, which Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Rock Island), a co-sponsor of the measure, applauded as a way to keep Illinois competitive, according to a press release.

“Representing a district on the Illinois-Iowa border, I know how important it is to support policies that make Illinois competitive in attracting new job-creators, and keeping established businesses within our borders,” Anderson said in a statement. “By extending the EDGE program, we’re keeping a pipeline for Illinois jobs open.”

The legislation puts several measures in place to improve the EDGE program, including a requirement that all agreements be posted within 10 days of projects being secured, to increase transparency. Additionally, the overhauled program will encourage companies to expand or move to underserved areas. The law will also allow small businesses to take part in the program by lowering its eligibility thresholds.

Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia)

The program was also extended through June 2022.

“This legislation is another tool to use in our quest to bring high-quality and good-paying jobs to Illinois,” Rauner said in a statement. “It is crucial for the future success of our state that we make Illinois a more business friendly environment through pro-growth measures.”