The intense competition for jobs and businesses in this uncertain economic climate has created a virtual bidding war among states. With that in mind, I thought you might find this information, courtesy of the Council of State Governments, of special interest.

Thirty five years ago, more than half of the United States offered tax breaks or credits to businesses either toward materials or job creation. Now, nearly all do. At the same time, 21 states offered a corporate income tax exemption. That number has now doubled. For a state-by-state review of incentives and business grant strategies, I encourage you to visit http://apps.csg.org/BusinessIncentives to see where Illinois ranks.



Hometown awards

It’s no secret how very proud I am of all our Fox Valley communities and the people that make each special. Each year, Governor’s Hometown Awards are given to those volunteers who go above and beyond to help their fellow citizens, and we have had a number of worthy finalists from the 50th District in the past decade.

Projects ranging from beautification and historic restoration to food pantries, child protection and literacy projects have gained statewide attention. Aurora, Aurora Township, Campton Township, Geneva, Kane County, Montgomery, Sugar Grove Township and Yorkville have represented us with distinction, and I know there are many more organizations and projects still to be honored. Deadline for applications is July 16, and details are spelled out at www.ildceo.net/HometownAwards. Don’t hide your achievements under a bushel.



Around the rail

Here’s a sample of legislation that has passed the House, and is on its way to the Senate for consideration.

HB 5266 provides more access to interactive data resources for first responders to aid adults who may be at imminent risk for elder abuse, neglect, financial exploitation or self-neglect.

HB 5025 provides that a public utility must release an account hold on a customer’s account within 48 hours after the customer has made a payment in full to that utility.

HB 5635 clarifies that coroners are certified to conduct required investigations during a law enforcement death investigation.

HB 5122 controls unauthorized removal of a corpse from a death scene and prohibits sexual conduct involving a corpse.

HB 5624 cracks down on unauthorized metered disability parking spot use and tightens physician rules for false disability certification. Illinois has more than 577,000 disability parking placards, one for every 22 people. In Cook County, that rises to one in every 13 cars. This legislation creates a two-tiered system with free parking only for those who are severely disabled. Fines would be increased for improper use of placards or plates, and for doctors who improperly sign applications.



Identity theft seminar

The response was extraordinary for our seminars on how to safeguard credit card, Social Security and other personal and financial information. Our April 10 partnership with the Illinois Attorney General and the Illinois Comptroller brought out nearly 200 seniors in Elburn and Yorkville, with numerous requests to do it again. We promise we will.



Kay Hatcher, R-Yorkville, is the state representative for the 50th Legislative District. She can be reached at her Yorkville office at 630-553-3223 or by email at info@kayhatcher.us. Follow frequent updates on Facebook by adding State Representative Kay Hatcher as a friend.