Just got this from the NRA news website:

SPRINGFIELD — Several Illinois-based firearm manufacturers threatened to take their business out of state if the General Assembly passes a proposed statewide ban on assault weapons.

Representatives and employees of the companies, and city and law enforcement officials spoke out Wednesday in Springfield against the ban saying it restricts the gun ownership rights of law-abiding owners, hunters, collectors and competitive shooters and if passed, will drive them out of business if they do not relocate.

"Many of us are in competition with each other on a daily basis. But this type of legislation has forged an alliance between us all," said Karl Lewis, president of Lewis Machine and Tool Co. in Milan.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Edward Acevedo, D-Chicago, would make it illegal to manufacture, possess or deliver semi-automatic assault weapons, assault-weapon attachments, .50-caliber rifles and .50-caliber cartridges.

Mark Westrom, president of Armalite Inc. in Geneseo, which employs 85 people, said as much as 50 percent of their business would be eliminated by the ban.

"We're all committed to an economically strong Illinois. But if the General Assembly backs us into a corner and shuts down our product lines, we have no choice but to leave the state," Mr. Westrom said.

Dennis Reese, co-owner of the Springfield Armory, also in Geneseo, said Illinois would lose 165 direct jobs if his company relocated. Subcontracting jobs would also be lost and other jobs in Geneseo could be affected indirectly if families also are forced to relocate.


"At a time when Illinois is losing manufacturing jobs and swimming in red ink, the last thing we think the legislature and governor would want to do is drive out more manufacturers and the millions in revenue, jobs and benefits we provide here in Illinois," Mr. Reese said.

Opponents of the ban said the total number of jobs Illinois will lose is more than 750. And the state will also lose $150 million in manufacturing sales.

Rep. Acevedo said these businesses survived when the federal assault-weapons ban was signed into law in 1994, and they will survive if this passes. The federal ban expired in September 2004. Congress did not renew it.

"I don't want to see any businesses, any corporations in Illinois get up and leave the state. But it's a safety issue for the citizens of Illinois and it's a safety issue for the citizens around our nation," Rep. Acevedo said. "These weapons are made for one purpose and one purpose only — and that's mass destruction."

Jennifer Bishop, Illinois field director of the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence, and Gail Rice of Palos Heights, both who've lost loved ones from gun-related incidents, advocated passing the ban.

"The gun lobby's leaders said (Wednesday) in Springfield that banning assault weapons would injure Illinois economically to the tune of $150 million and cost the state 750 jobs. Are Illinois residents really buying $150 million a year worth of assault weapons? If so, I urge the legislature to move as quickly as possible on this proposal because we have a bigger problem than we realized," Bishop said.

Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline, said the state is becoming "almost an enemy" in his district.

"I don't care if you like the guns or you don't like the guns," Sen. Jacobs said. "The fact is that this company provides great services. They build a beautiful weapon, and we ought to keep it free and legal in Illinois."

Sen. Todd Sieben said the proposal's been amended nine times, which shows that many flaws exist.

"Sen. Jacobs and I, we've committed. We will fight this thing with everything we have to stop it if it should get over to the Senate," Sieben said.

Geneseo Mayor Pat Eberhardt said he opposes the bill.

"House Bill 2414 will likely destroy hundreds of Illinois jobs, adversely affecting Illinois families"

Representatives from Rock River Arms of Colona and Les Baer Custom Inc. of Hillsdale, and law enforcement officials also lobbied against the ban.

The bill passed a House committee Wednesday. Last session, Rep. Acevedo tried to pass a similar bill but was narrowly defeated in the House of Representatives.


Dave W.

"Rep. Acevedo said these businesses survived when the federal assault-weapons ban was signed into law in 1994, and they will survive if this passes. The federal ban expired in September 2004. Congress did not renew it. "

 What a stupid  POS fuctard!!      During the Fed. AWB  AR15's could still be bought and sold.    HB2414  makes even owning or manufacturing what was bought during the AWB illegal.

 God bless Armalite, RRA and all the other gun related business in Il. for sticking it out and joining the fight against this tyranny.   They could say to hell with it and move . I think I'm gonna make a few calls tommorow and thank them

 

Quoted: "Rep. Acevedo said these businesses survived when the federal assault-weapons ban was signed into law in 1994, and they will survive if this passes. The federal ban expired in September 2004. Congress did not renew it. "  What a stupid  POS fuctard!!      During the Fed. AWB  AR15's could still be bought and sold.    HB2414  makes even owning or manufacturing what was bought during the AWB illegal. head.gif  God bless Armalite, RRA and all the other gun related business in Il. for sticking it out and joining the fight against this tyranny.   They could say to hell with it and move . I think I'm gonna make a few calls tommorow and thank them

EXACTLY! These  people don't even know (or care) about the similarities and differences of the 1994 AWB and the proposed HB2414, and these are the same people that are writing the laws and running this pathetic state. We MUST STOP THEM at any/all costs.


Dave W.