Following calls from Senate Republicans, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) opened the application process of the Blue Collar Jobs Act (BCJA) for eligible companies. BCJA seeks to bring good-paying jobs to Illinois through a series of income tax credits for qualified capital investments in the construction of new or improved property.
The program was originally signed into law as part of the bipartisan budget negotiations in 2019 but was frozen prior to its implementation in 2021 by Gov. JB Pritzker. Sen. Rezin applauded the reinstatement as it will help to rebuild Illinois’ economy and provide more job opportunities to Illinois workers.
The Blue Collar Jobs Act provides $20 million in incentivizing tax credits attributable to the wages paid to construction workers on eligible construction projects. Eligible companies include those located in an Enterprise Zone or a River Edge Redevelopment Zone, companies designated a High Impact Business, or companies with an agreement under the Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) Program.
For more information, the DCEO’s website lists the requirements for the various construction credits, as well as the application process itself. The DCEO will also host a technical assistance webinar regarding the BCJA program application and processes June 26 in the afternoon. This program will be virtual and you can RSVP online.