DeKalb Times

Illinois state Senator Brian Stewart (R-Freeport) has applauded a new state law that will help boost the state's blossoming electric vehicle industry by providing incentives for EV production. 

Stewart even highlighted the legislation known as House Bill 1769, as part of his recurring Week in Review.

"In other news, Illinois is on course to be a leader in the manufacture of electric vehicles and parts with the signing of a new law that received strong bipartisan support," Stewart wrote in post on his Facebook page. 

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the bill into law on Nov. 16 and it went into effect the very same day.

"It lays out a series a tax incentives for manufacturers of electric vehicles and component parts," Stewart said in a release on his Senate website. "The new incentives will help build electric vehicle production facilities, train Illinois graduates, and create thousands of jobs."

According to LegiScan, House Bill 1769 created the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act and the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) Program. It passed with a 110-2 vote in the state House of Representatives and a 55-0 vote in the state Senate on Oct. 28.

"This measure is an example of what lawmakers can accomplish when they work together for the best interest of Illinoisans," Stewart said in the release. 

The Reimagining Electric Vehicles (REV) Illinois program also may provide opportunities for companies that invest in new or existing manufacturing facilities for electric vehicles, components or power supply equipment to qualify for exemptions on income tax withholding, utilities tax, training, and equipment or capital costs, according to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity. 

Stewart wasn't the only senator who supported the REV  Illinois program.

Earlier this month the DeKalb Times reported Sen. Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) touted the program as one that could "give the state a fighting chance to bring new jobs and new investments."