Illinois businesses will receive $100 million in tax credits, according to a report published by Crain's Chicago Business. During an appearance before the State Journal Register editorial board, Governor Bruce Rauner defending awarding them. Rauner says they had been negotiated by his predecessor, former Governor Pat Quinn. He says he’s fulfilling the agreements, because the businesses had an understanding of "timing and circumstances."
"We had a risk of credibility as a state government, and an issue of credibility with the business community on some of these issues. And so we're dealing with 'em."
However, the news comes just after Rauner last week suspended social service and public health grants. Rauner says it's necessary to bring state spending in line.
But critics say it's "beyond the pale" that the Republican would cut-off funding for HIV and AIDS programs, a smoking cessation hotline, and programs for autistic children, while giving corporations tax breaks.