Stadelman passes historic electric vehicle package
Incentives designed to save jobs at Belvidere plant

State Senator Steve Stadelman yesterday led his colleagues in passing the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act, a historic measure to preserve and create jobs in Illinois and keep open the Stellantis assembly plant in Belvidere, the Rockford area's largest employer.

“This is a massive field that has so much room to grow, and we want to encourage these companies to set up shop in Illinois,” Stadelman said. “Many regions will see this as an economic opportunity that could bring jobs to residents and make a lasting impact on their community.”

Stellantis, which currently produces the Jeep Cherokee in Belvidere, is in the process of determining sites for manufacturing electric vehicles. REV Illinois would include tax credits and job training for auto makers and supply chain businesses that come to Illinois.

More than 4,500 workers are employed at Stellantis. Illinois ranks ninth in the nation for auto production, with the industry employing more than 30,000 people statewide. 

REV Illinois would provide a tax credit for manufacturers of electronic vehicles, parts and power supplies. Businesses in underserved areas -- defined as communities under 100,000 in population with retired fossil fuel plants or closed mines -- would be eligible for a larger benefit.

Training cost tax credits can increase if new employees are recent college grads, certificate holders or credential recipients from a college in Illinois. Applicants would need to fulfill specific criteria to qualify for the tax credit.

“We are providing incentives for electric transportation companies to bring good-paying jobs to the residents of Illinois,” Stadelman said. “Green transportation is a step in the right direction, and Illinois is taking a stance against global warming while ensuring new jobs are available to the residents of Illinois.”

Illinois is already home to more than 5,000 workers in the electronic transportation industry, and these numbers are expected to double in the next two years.

Stadelman takes campaign to save local journalism to public radio

State Senator Steve Stadelman appeared this week on Illinois Public Media's "The 21st" to discuss the Local Journalism Task Force being formed as a result of legislation he passed this year to study the decline of local news and make recommendations for strengthening the news industry, especially in small and mid-cities communities across the state. "The 21st" airs on six National Public Radio stations in central and northern Illinois. Senator Stadelman, a television news anchor and reporter for 25 years before being elected to the Illinois Senate in 2012, was joined on the program by bill co-sponsor Dave Vella of Rockford and Jenna Dooley, president of the Illinois News Broadcasters Association and a member of the task force.

Click on the link below to listen to the broadcast: