Dillard, GOP unveil jobs plan

SPRINGFIELD — A group of Illinois Senate Republicans led by Sen. Kirk Dillard of Hinsdale proposed a plan Thursday to try to jump-start Illinois’ economy.

The 30-point plan hinges on reforming the workers’ compensation system, which business groups say costs too much money in Illinois. But the state Senate voted down a workers’ compensation reform measure on Thursday.

The Republican plan also calls for more tax credits for companies and eliminating some regulations. The plan, for example, calls for eliminating most air permits required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Other ideas come from other states.

“There is nothing against plagiarizing good ideas from other states,” Dillard said.

Democrats control all levels of state government, though, so it could be difficult for the GOP to get their plans approved.