SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity today announced the launch of the Blue Collar Jobs Act Tax Credit application for eligible companies. BCJA is a bipartisan legislative package designed to promote economic expansion and growth in Illinois by incentivizing construction projects. The legislation makes $20 million in tax credits available per year for eligible companies.

“Finally, we’ve got a tax credit that rewards blue collar workers rather than the guys in the corner office,” said State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island). “We want more business here in Illinois and we have the workforce to build them. I hope to see these businesses come to Illinois to help expand the economy, and to see our workers share in the incentives the state has to offer.”

The Blue Collar Jobs Act program supports large-scale economic development activities by providing corporate income tax credits to companies that make substantial capital investments in Illinois. The tax credits are based on the wages paid to construction workers employed on eligible projects. To be eligible, a company must be located in an Enterprise Zone or a River Edge Redevelopment Zone, designated a High Impact Business, or have an agreement under the Economic Development for a Growing Economy Program. Eligible companies may receive up to 75% income tax withholding credits for construction workers.

For more information about the Blue Collar Jobs Act Tax Credit, click here.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin passed legislation out of the Senate that would help stop parents who do not have primary custody of their child from skipping on child support payments.

"This initiative is crucial as it will facilitate the tracking and accountability of parents who refuse to pay their child support," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "This is a positive step towards guaranteeing that children receive the support they need and deserve."

House Bill 3301 would include independent contractors in the definition of "employee" so that anyone who reports income on 1099 forms as an independent contractor would be reported to the National Directory of New Hires registry. The registry was established in 1996 to help track parents who are delinquent on child support payments across state lines.

Under current law, parents can avoid the state database by not self-reporting income because they don’t receive a W-2. Under House Bill 3301, the parent’s 1099 would be reported to the database so the state will know approximately how much income was earned and can enter a court order to pay.

House Bill 3301 makes this change to recognize the need to prevent parents who do not have custody of their child and who are avoiding their child support payments from skirting reporting requirements by filing a 1099 instead of a W-2.

House Bill 3301 passed the on Wednesday and heads to the governor’s desk for final approval.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Halpin passed legislation through the Senate that limits the cost of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors, commonly known by the brand name EpiPens, to a maximum of $60 per twin-pack.

"No household should have to decide between buying life-saving medication and providing food for their family," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "This legislation marks a significant stride towards enhancing the affordability and accessibility of EpiPens for all Illinoisans who require them."

Epinephrine Auto-Injectors are the only medication that works on the entire body to combat anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction. However, since 2017, a global shortage of these devices has made this medication increasingly difficult to obtain. Parts of the United States have experienced shortages since 2018, with the FDA permitting an extension of the recommended shelf life of EpiPens to combat the shortage.

In addition to the shortage, the cost of EpiPens has skyrocketed in recent years, with a twin pack costing anywhere from $500-700 on average, and a single injector costing anywhere from $300-400. This has placed a significant financial burden on families who need to keep multiple EpiPens on hand for emergencies.

“This achievement is a significant win for households who are facing difficulties in purchasing this medication that can save lives,” said Halpin. “It's high time to put an end to excessive corporate profits. People's ability to come up with $500 dollars shouldn't be the deciding factor in determining whether they can access life-saving medication.”

House Bill 3639 passed the Senate on Wednesday and heads to the governor’s desk for a signature.

ROCK ISLAND – State Senator Mike Halpin announced over $104,000 in grant funding is coming to Rock Island and Macomb to boost local tourism efforts and attract visitors to the area.

"Some Springfield politicians may have forgotten Western Illinois, but we have some pretty cool things to see and do here in the QC and down in Macomb," said Halpin (D-Rock Island). "Tourism sites and attractions bring economic growth to local economies, which is beneficial for residents and businesses alike.”

Through the Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program, a total of $2.9 million is being awarded to 51 grantees to support local tourism promotional efforts. This program provides funding for marketing efforts by local governments, municipalities, nonprofits and local promotional groups with the goal of attracting visitors to destinations, attractions and events throughout Illinois.

Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau is set to receive $87,075 and the Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau/Visit Unforgettable Forgottonia is set to receive $17,512 through the program, which is funded by a federal Economic Development Administration grant.

“These organizations are our regional cheerleaders, marketing everything that makes us unforgettable,” said Halpin. “I’m glad the State can help them in their mission.”

 To view a full list of Illinois Travel and Tourism Grant Program recipients, click here.