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Quinn Promises New Jobs In Cairo

By Ryan Kruger

CAIRO -- The Ohio and Mississippi Rivers have long been an important part of Cairo's economy, an economy that has struggled for many years. So when Governor Pat Quinn came to town Thursday afternoon to sign a new law which promises to bring in jobs, he was treated like a hero.

The new law will create a port district for Cairo and Alexander County. A seven member board will be able to apply for state and federal grants to spur development. Despite a state budget that's billions of dollars in debt, the new law will take money away from the state by giving tax breaks to businesses that create jobs.

"You just don't give out willy nilly tax breaks to big shots who don't pay income taxes," said Quinn "I think it's important that we be very strategic that if a business wants to create jobs that employ people then we can look at a targeted tax break."

After signing the bill Quinn toured a ship owned by American Commercial Line, a company that employs 200 people in town already and is looking to expand.

"We're excited to be a part of this and help the city of Cairo and Alexander County develop this port into available business," said Bill Foster, Vice President and General Manager of ACL.

But if this new law truly can bring in all that it's promising, why wasn't it signed years ago? According to lawmakers this will be the 16th port district in the state. State Representative Brandon Phelps says this is something that should have been on the books already.

"We've really never had the opportunity, we're not gonna get into political stuff and what happened here over the years, but you're right it's long overdue we're just glad that we're here now," said Phelps.

There's no word on how many jobs will be created. Phelps says other companies are looking to move to the area and expand their business, they were just waiting for this legislation to be signed.

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Cairo Residents Protest, Call On Quinn To Help

By Ryan Kruger

CAIRO -- Not everyone in Cairo greeted Governor Pat Quinn with open arms Thursday. A few residents showed up to protest their high utility rates and call on the governor to do something about it. They say they're paying outrageous prices, more than a thousand dollars a month to heat and cool their homes.

Maxine Jones of Cairo says folks are being ripped off and they need help.

"Very hard when you're making minimum wage, it makes me feel very depressed not only for myself, but for the people who live in public housing, they can't live in the houses here, they're stuck, I don't think that's fair," said Jones.

News Three asked Governor Quinn if there's anything the state can do. Quinn has long been a consumer advocate, he established the Citizens Utility Board in 1984.

"Perhaps we can use the power of the Citizens Utility Board to help these particular consumers, I fought utility rates for a long time in Illinois and we've had a lot of victories," said Quinn.

After speaking with reporters, the governor met with the protesters briefly, urging them to contact C.U.B.