By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMIGNTON – Without some reforms to areas like worker’s compensation, it might be difficult for the state to attract new business, particularly to the now closed Mitsubishi Motors plant in Normal.
State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) said a prospective buyer he spoke to has said they’re not interested in moving to Illinois until the business climate improves.
“This person, today, says look, I can’t invest millions of dollars today in this Normal facility knowing what I know about Illinois’ governance and the cost (it will take) to do business here, rather than in other states like Indiana who have lower worker’s compensation rates,” Barickman said.
Barickman called that a “very frustrating and real” message to hear.
“But I think it strikes to the importance of what we’re trying to do in reforming our state,” said Barickman. “Trying to pass things these worker’s comp reforms, and other things that are necessary.”
Barickman believed Illinois will eventually make these reforms, but he can’t predict when that will happen.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
