SPRINGFIELD – To increase microchip production and attract companies to invest in Illinois, State Senator Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) supported legislation in the Senate to create a series of tax credits to uplift the semiconductor industry.

“The United States relies on microchip imports to fulfill local manufacturing needs, and the pandemic has intensified the nationwide shortage,” Crowe said. “To maintain our supply chain, the MICRO Act provides an opportunity to serve local production, build the industry in Illinois and create job opportunities for residents.”

In partnership with the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, the proposal creates the Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity (MICRO) Act to provide a range of tax credits for semiconductor, microchip and component part manufacturers to support new employee training while also encouraging companies to develop operations in underserved communities and energy transition areas.

Nationally, the semiconductor chip supply chain has been fragile for years and has hindered manufacturing across the U.S. For economic security, the measure incentivizes bringing chip manufacturing back to local production. 

“Illinois and American-made products are essential to our strong economy,” Crowe said. “To ensure operations continue, attracting the semiconductor industry to Illinois creates new opportunities for economic development.”

Senate Bill 3917 passed the Senate Thursday and moves for further consideration in the House.

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