Section 30 ILCS 750/1-2 - Findings and declaration of policyThe General Assembly hereby finds, determines and declares:
(a) That Illinois is a State of diversified economic strength;(b) That the economic strength and climate of Illinois derives from and depends upon a sound and modernized infrastructure, strong and effective educational programs and facilities and a clean and well cared for environment;(c) That Illinois' economy is, however, in a state of transition, which transition in turn presents a unique opportunity for the State to act on its growth and development;(d) That full and continued growth and development of Illinois' economy is vital for Illinois if this State is to move forward aggressively and to build on State and national recovery thereby ensuring the continued growth and development of Illinois' advantages and opportunities to its citizens and its business community;(e) That in order to cultivate this strong economic growth and development in Illinois it is necessary to proceed with a plan which improves the Illinois business climate so as to encourage Illinois business to expand as well as attract new businesses, which creates and expands job and job training opportunities, which offers managerial, technical and financial assistance to small businesses; and which works in a cooperative venture and spirit with Illinois' business, labor, local government and educational communities;(f) That the State has a responsibility to create a beneficial climate for new and improved job opportunities for its citizens by encouraging the development of commercial businesses and industrial and manufacturing plants in Illinois, particularly within labor surplus areas;(g) That the State has a responsibility to its citizens to ensure that Illinois captures the advantages and opportunities made possible by scientific and technological innovation;(h) That vigorous economic growth in the State requires responsible and balanced stewardship of the State's environmental and natural resources and protection of the public health, with particular emphasis on management of hazardous waste and wastewater discharges as well as chemical safety by industrial and municipal facilities, for in a clean and safe Illinois economic growth can be encouraged and sustained in a manner which guarantees a healthy and prosperous future for Illinois citizens;(i) That a sound and comprehensive system of State and local parks, recreational and nature areas is important to the overall quality of life in Illinois, thereby facilitating the attraction of new businesses and the retention of existing businesses within the State of Illinois;(j) That the colleges and universities of Illinois are an important resource and partner to government and industry in fostering economic development in Illinois and that the research strengths of the State's colleges and universities should be utilized to assist in the continued development of Illinois' economy, particularly in view of the growing role of innovative and rapidly changing science and technology, which science and technology is becoming an ever increasing part of the future economic base of this State and the nation;(k) That additional revenues must be made available to the General Revenue Fund in order for the State to establish the financing necessary to achieve the purposes of this Act through an economical, balanced pay-as-you-go and limited obligation bond program, without diminishing the State's ability to meet its other responsibilities.