Caterpillar to Illinois Gov. Quinn: Tax Hikes May Force Us to Leave State

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has reportedly received a letter from the chief executive of Caterpillar in which he states that with the tax hike that went into effect in January, the business is seriously considering leaving Illinois.

Caterpillar’s Doug Oberhelman wrote to Quinn saying he has been approached by officials from no less than four states about relocating the Peoria-based company.

“I want to stay here. But as the leader of this business, I have to do what’s right for Caterpillar when making decisions about where to invest,” he wrote. “The direction that this state is headed in is not favorable to business, and I’d like to work with you to change that.” The governor welcomes frank and open exchanges between the business community and government, and we are always open to new ideas that can help our businesses grow, innovate and create jobs.”

The two are scheduled to meet on April 5, and Quinn’s spokesperson Brie Callahan said the letter is to be discussed at the Peoria conference, telling the Pantagraph of Bloomington, “

Oberhelman said he has never considered moving out of the state, despite being wines and dined repeatedly, but in the letter added, “… I have to admit, the policymakers in Springfield seem to make it harder by the day.”

Not only did Oberhelman send Quinn and personally written letter, he also included correspondence the company has received from officials in Nebraska, South Dakota, and Texas.

The Caterpillar executive did not list problems the business had with Illinois, but did say that the recent raising of taxes in the state was the trigger for writing the letter.

With Caterpillar considering a move, state officials are now worried about other businesses that are being “wooed” away, but are not as open about it as Caterpillar.