Posted by Monique Garcia and John Byrne at 10:50 a.m.; updated at 4:18 p.m. with Hynes comments
Gov. Pat Quinn today credited the 1,200 new jobs at a Ford assembly plant in Chicago to an automotive tax credit program he signed into law late last year.
Speaking at a news conference alongside Mayor Richard Daley to formally announce the deal, Quinn said the state is providing Ford $20 million in tax incentives in return for a $400 million investment by the company in its Chicago plant.
"This is a strategic investment by the people of Illinois," Quinn said. "In turn it’s going to create literally hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity and wages, salaries and new revenue for the state of Illinois."
"We had to compete for this, it wasn’t just awarded to Illinois," Quinn added. "We had to show that out state was the best state to do business in… We showed them that Illinois workers and the people of Illinois and our governor are working together for the common good."
The Ford jobs announcement provided Quinn with a rare dose of positive news as he runs in the Feb. 2 Democratic governor primary. His opponent, Comptroller Dan Hynes, has aired a barrage of TV attack ads that has the contest very close, a new Tribune poll found.
At a campaign event on the West Side, Hynes said Quinn should not be taking credit for the expansion at the Ford plant.
“I think what we’re seeing is that while there have been decisions made by the private sector to locate in Illinois, which I think is a testament to our workforce here, and to the cooperation of local leaders trying to encourages business to stay and expand here,” Hynes said. “But what we’re not seeing the long-term vision we need.”
Hynes also announced the endorsements of six state legislators.
“It courage for these six legislators to step forward on my behalf because it’s difficult to go against a sitting governor,” said Hynes, after hearing praise from lawmakers who represent districts on the West Side, Southwest Side and south suburbs.
At the Ford event, Daley lauded the announcement as evidence that union leaders, elected officials and business representatives can work together to promote the kinds of jobs that strengthen the middle class.
"This news will be heard all the way to Washington, all the way to the state capital," Daley said to applause from the plant workers who packed into the news conference on the factory floor.
The mayor thanked Quinn for spearheading the effort to pass legislation allowing Ford to qualify for the tax credit.
Listening to the comments, UAW worker Andre Linton murmered to himself: "More money, more money, more money. Thank you, Jesus."
Linton said after union workers making heavy financial concessions to help keep Ford afloat, he and others at the plant are hopeful the company has turned the corner.