Rep. Brady: Good outweighs the bad on tax break deal for Canadian firm

Posted on November 14, 2017
Dan Brady
State Rep. Dan Brady says the good outweighs the bad on a package of tax incentives for a Canadian manufacturer to locate here, with the prospect of hundreds of new jobs. (WJBC file photo)

By Howard Packowitz

BLOOMINGTON – State Representative Dan Brady of Bloomington acknowledges local taxing bodies have a difficult decision whether to approve tax breaks for the Canadian agricultural equipment firm considering a site north of Normal for a manufacturing plant, potentially adding hundreds of new jobs for McLean County.

Speaking with WJBC’s Sam Wood, Brady said he hopes local governments agree to the abatement for Brandt Industries.

“I believe the good outweighs the bad on the long-end,” said Brady.

“That’s what we have to stay focused on because the jobs would be good jobs, good paying sector jobs, and something that could be great for this area, and my district,” Brady said.

Even backers of the proposal on the Unit 5 School Board said they were reluctant to take tax money away from educating students. The school board’s vote was 5-2 in favor of the abatement. The McLean County Board voted 16-1, also in favor of the incentive package.

On another topic, Brady is once again declining to endorse Governor Bruce Rauner for reelection or Rauner’s possible primary opponent, conservative State Representative Jeanne Ives.

Brady faces a primary challenge from local real estate broker David Paul Blumenshine. Brady represents the 105th District, which includes McLean County, large portions of Bloomington-Normal, and parts of Livingston County. He’s served in the Illinois House for 16 years.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]

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