Quinn's business tax credit advancing

SPRINGFIELD - Suburban small businesses could start rebuilding their work forces if a proposal advancing at the Capitol on Wednesday eventually becomes law.

The proposal includes a $2,500 tax credit for small businesses employing fewer than 50 people that add full-time jobs.

The initiative was introduced last spring by Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi of Joliet, and was embraced in part by fellow Democrat Gov. Pat Quinn earlier this month.

Passing the House without opposition, the legislation awards the $2,500 tax credit for every new hire so long as the employees have never been employed by the business before, and maintain employment there for at least one year.

The proposal also cleared a Senate committee late Wednesday.