Rauner looking for buyer of Mitsubishi plant

Posted on November 3, 2015

Mitsubishi Motors plans to stop production on Nov. 30. (WJBC file photo)

By Illinois News Network

BLOOMINGTON – Gov. Bruce Rauner wouldn’t say how many prospects there are to possibly buy the Mitsubishi plant in Normal but said one thing that’s keeping potential buyers away is Illinois’ poor business climate.

During a stop with the McLean County Chamber of Commerce in Bloomington, Rauner said his administration is looking for a buyer to take over the plant being vacated by Mitsubishi. However, Rauner said finding one to seal the deal is difficult because of the cost of doing business in Illinois and somethings have to change.

“Our property taxes are too high,” Rauner said. “Our corporate income taxes are not competitive but workers comp, tort system and just the regulatory burden are punishing for businesses, especially for manufacturing firms.”

Rauner said his reform agenda addressing workers comp and tort law will help the state grow and create more jobs but Democratic leaders suggest the governor’s agenda will hurt the middle class and leave injured workers with less in benefits.

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