The Illinois Manufacturers' Association Friday applauded the state Senate for its overwhelming approval of legislation ensuring the long-term viability and prosperity of enterprise zones, a key economic engine for Illinois.

The Senate's vote today, 55-0 for Senate Bill 3688, signaled the strong support for enterprise zones that the IMA and many other supporters hope will carry over into the bill being approved by the House and governor this spring. Senate approval of the bill comes after weeks of hearings around the state where enterprise zones' value were studied.

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association, the leading advocate for extending zones statewide, points to more than 900,000 jobs and nearly $50 billion coming from these zones since their creation 30 years ago. Last year alone, enterprise zones saw more than 24,000 jobs created and retained and $2.5 billion in investments. The IMA is pushing for passage of Senate Bill 3688 to extend the length of the zones by 25 years, allow for targeted expansions of 10 new zones over the next decade and call for increased transparency and accountability for these zones.

Mark Denzler, vice president and chief operating officer for the Illinois Manufacturers' Association, says they have contended for many years that Illinois has one of the best economic tools in enterprise zones, and they feel the Senate vote shows legislators agree.

With a few of the nearly 100 enterprise zones around the state set to expire starting next year, senators explained they felt they needed to act now to send the message that these zones should be here and supported by our state for the long term.

Sen. Mike Frerichs, a Champaign Democrat and co-chair of the Special Senate Committee on Enterprise Zone Extensions that met throughout the spring says the committee conducted a thorough review of these zones and found impressive support around the state for keeping them in place and improving them. He feels the legislation does just that, and hopes the House of Representatives will agree.