MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

To the Editor:

I am disappointed to learn of the decision by Olin to move their Winchester Centerfire manufacturing facility out of the state of Illinois. The effect will be hard on the local economy in many ways.

This decision exemplifies the problems manufacturers, and all businesses, have with Illinois: high workers compensation rates, high real estate taxes; and high litigation rates. The inability to reduce labor costs was the final straw.

I will continue to promote our central location, educational resources, and quality workforce, but the state must take steps to improve the business climate or our unemployment rate will remain much too high.

Congressman John Shimkus
(R, Illinois-19)