Koehler applauds the new Adient manufacturing facility, bringing jobs and investment to Normal

NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler commended the announcement that Adient, a global automotive seating supplier, will open a new manufacturing facility in Normal, strengthening Central Illinois’ role in the electric vehicle industry and creating 75 new full-time jobs.

“This announcement is fantastic news for Central Illinois,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Adient’s decision to locate in Normal not only builds on our region’s growing role in the EV supply chain, but it also brings new, good-paying jobs to our community.”

Adient will invest over $8 million to establish the new facility, which will supply seating assemblies directly to Rivian, the prominent electric vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Normal. Adient plans to renovate an existing 85,000-square-foot warehouse near Rivian’s leading production site, enabling efficient supply chain integration.

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Senate Democrats applaud $13 million investment in new all-electric school buses

SPRINGFIELD ─ Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus celebrated the recent announcement of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s $13 million investment for 46 new all-electric school buses. The funding will facilitate the swap from older diesel-powered buses to brand new electric buses with the charging infrastructure needed to power the new fleet.

The grants are funded through Illinois’ allocation of the multi-billion-dollar Volkswagen Settlement and are distributed by Illinois EPA’s Driving a Cleaner Illinois Program. The grant program was developed to distribute funding for various types of clean air and energy projects. Illinois EPA has spent nearly $108 million in VW Settlement funds to date, funding 122 electric school buses and 65 direct current fast charging sites across the state. ​The program has also funded 60 electric transit buses in the Chicago area.

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Hastings condemns State Farm rate hike, renews push for insurance reform

FRANKFORT — State Senator Michael E. Hastings issued a strong statement Friday condemning State Farm’s recently announced 27.2% premium increase on Illinois homeowners, calling it a breach of trust and further evidence that Illinois must take action to reform its insurance system.

“For over six months, we worked with the insurance industry in good faith to address rising premiums,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We were told that rates were stabilizing. Weeks later, State Farm announced one of the largest rate hikes in recent history. That is not transparency — it is a slap in the face to consumers and lawmakers alike.”

Hastings, who serves as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has introduced legislation that would stop insurance companies from quietly passing the costs of out-of-state disasters — such as hurricanes or wildfires — onto Illinois policyholders without proper justification. His proposal requires clear actuarial evidence and public disclosure.

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Collins commends clean energy investment following Pure Lithium Corporation’s relocation to Chicago

CHICAGO – Following Pure Lithium Corporation’s announcement of relocating its headquarters to Chicago, State Senator Lakesia Collins emphasized the importance of clean energy and Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan.

“By moving its operations to Chicago, Pure Lithium is joining a legacy of companies in Illinois’ manufacturing industry that are contributing to the clean energy ecosystem,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “These investments support the goals of growing the clean energy production and manufacturing industries, as outlined in Illinois’ Economic Growth Plan.”

Read more: Collins commends clean energy investment following Pure Lithium Corporation’s relocation to Chicago