Caterpillar Inc. has decided it'll bypass Illinois for a new plant and some 1,400 jobs relocating from Japan. Gov. Pat Quinn has said he believes the decision was based on Illinois' lack of ocean access. Oberhelman says logistics was a factor. But he says Illinois hasn't done what's necessary to balance its budget, credit agencies have downgraded Illinois' bond rating and it's among the most expensive states for workers' compensation rates.
Oberhelman says Caterpillar hasn't opened a new factory in Illinois in decades even as it's opened factories elsewhere. full story
