ROCKFORD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) joined Gov. JB Pritzker and other officials at Rock Valley College’s Advanced Technology Center to celebrate the signing of the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act on Tuesday.

“The REV Act invests in both job creators and working people across Illinois to make us a nationwide leader in the electric vehicle industry,” Gillespie said. “Covering training costs for new hires and protecting living wages for current employees will provide a foundation for working people to build long-term careers in a growing industry.”

The REV Act provides financial incentives to electric vehicle, parts and power supply manufacturers. To qualify for tax credits on income tax withholdings, manufacturers must pay their employees at least 120% of the average wage paid in the county where the project is located. The legislation includes expanded tax credits for employers in underserved and energy transition areas.

Illinois currently employs 36,000 workers in the auto production industry, ranking 9th in the nation. House Bill 1769 is effective immediately.