Navistar tax break supported by lawmakers

SPRINGFIELD - State lawmakers overwhelmingly supported a tax break for Navistar, easing the company's planned corporate move to Lisle.

Navistar is a leading manufacturer of trucks and truck engines and plans to move several of its operations to the suburbs from Indiana. But it originally ran afoul of union interests that stalled the tax breaks last year and then became the focus of local opposition based on environmental concerns over diesel engine research expressed by a school for autistic children, Giant Steps of Illinois, located near the Lisle site.

Navistar Director of Government Relations Michael Ralsky told lawmakers the scope of that part of the project had been scaled back.

"I want to commend Navistar," state Sen. Carole Pankau, an Itasca Republican, told company representatives during a legislative hearing Thursday. "Thank you for working that out."

The tax break could save the company millions annually with proponents saying it will be more than covered by the jobs the company will bring to Illinois.

State Sen. Kirk Dillard, a Hinsdale Republican, initially supported the plan, then became a critic after the school concerns were raised. On Thursday he too complimented the various interests for their ability to work together for needed economic development.