News Local/State

Madigan: Unlikely To Back Corporate Tax Breaks

by The Associated Press, with additional reporting from Illinois Public Radio
 

House Speaker Michael Madigan has sharply criticized corporate requests for tax breaks and says he's unlikely to support deals for companies that pay little in taxes.

The influential Democrat also said in a statement yesterday he wants to review how Illinois decides who gets incentives.

Madigan's statement raises new doubts about legislation that would give breaks to Archer Daniels Midland Company and others.

ADM and Office Depot are among a handful of companies that asked Illinois' legislature for tax breaks this year as they considered headquarters locations.  That legislation stalled last week in the House .
 
Madigan said Illinois needs to "resist the temptation to cave to corporate officials' demands.''
 
Office Depot on Tuesday chose Florida over Illinois. ADM plans to move its headquarters from Decatur but hasn't decided where.

ADM's press team says a decision will be announced "soon" - some legislators fear Illinois is going to lose out.

The sponsor of the plan, Senator Andy Manar of Bunker Hill, did not immediately return a call for comment.