The Illinois House has approved tax  breaks for businesses, including some big names like Sears and  the Chicago Mercantile Exchange that are threatening to leave the  state. That measure would cost the state about $150 million next year and $218 million the year after that. It also includes broader tax breaks, like a credit for  research and development and a more generous method of writing  off losses. The legislation now goes to the Senate. The Senate had  already approved a version of entire package. Earlier, the House also passed tax relief aimed at poor and  middle-class families. It increases the earned-income tax credit,  which lowers tax bills for poor families. It also would increase the personal exemption available to all taxpayers.