A controversial bill extending tax incentives to Sears and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange passed in the Senate today.  Senator Toi Hutchinson says she understands tax breaks are a touchy subject but the state couldn't afford to lose thousands of jobs.

[audio:rddToi1.mp3]A Word From Hutchinson[/audio]

Sears and CME threatened to leave the state if they didn't receive the tax breaks.  The new proposal is designed to keep them and more than six thousand jobs in Illinois.  Nine senators voted against the proposal, arguing it sets the wrong example.  The bill now heads Governor Pat Quinn's desk.  He supports the proposal.