SPRINGFIELD, IL – Unemployment is at its highest rate in over 20 years in Illinois and the situation could only be made worse by Gov. Quinn’s corporate tax increases, according to State Sen. Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac).

“Our primary focus in the legislature must be jobs, jobs, jobs. I’ve been saying that for quite some time. The budget proposal, as introduced, seeks to remove many tax incentives for businesses in addition to the overall corporate income tax rate hike,” Rutherford said.

The Democratic majority’s budget proposals would eliminate Research & Development, Computer Software, and Manufacturers’ Tax Credits, as well as decouple federal tax incentives. The overall corporate tax rate would increase from 4.8 percent to 7.3 percent.

“Illinois’ economy is already extremely volatile and any increase in tax burden for our businesses and individuals could actually increase the unemployment level. The General Assembly does not need to be in the business of forcing even more jobs out of Illinois,” Rutherford said.

Rutherford has posted a YouTube video with his comments and it is available at www.DanRutherford.com.