SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Representative Randy Frese said last week’s announcement of the launch of the new Illinois Blue Collar Jobs Act (BCJA) Tax Credit will help revive Illinois’ job climate and state economy.
Rep. Frese, (R-Paloma) sponsored the Act in the 101st General Assembly (House Bill 3373), and said he is very pleased that the plan ultimately received bi-partisan support and is now being implemented by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
“The plan we presented several years ago is a great start to bringing good-paying construction jobs back to our communities, and I am very glad that it has evolved into a bi-partisan program that will help boost our state and local economies,” Rep. Frese said.
The Blue Collar Jobs Act makes $20 million in tax credits available per year for eligible companies. According to DCEO, the program will… “provide tax credits attributable to the wages paid to construction workers on eligible projects. Eligible companies include those who are located in an Enterprise Zone (EZ) or a River Edge Redevelopment Zone (RERZ), companies designated a High Impact Business (HIB), or companies with an agreement under the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Program.”
“Every day I am ready to work across party lines with any legislator from any part of the state to help support and improve our communities. The start of the Blue Collar Jobs Act is a victory for working families, and great example of the good things we can accomplish when we work together,” Rep. Frese said.
DCEO has announced that they will host a technical assistance webinar to share details regarding the Blue Collar Jobs Act program application and processes on Monday, June 26, 2023, from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.