State Representative Tom Weber (R-Lake Villa) is applauding the launch of the Blue Collar Jobs Act (BCJA) Tax Credit application for eligible companies. BCJA is a bipartisan legislative package, co-sponsored by Weber during the 101st General Assembly, designed to promote economic expansion and growth in Illinois by incentivizing construction projects and job creation. The legislation makes $20 million in tax credits available annually for eligible companies.
“The Blue Collar Jobs Act is an example of what we should be doing to attract businesses and job creation to Illinois,” said Weber. “I’m proud to have been a sponsor of this legislation and to see the tax credit implemented to help spur economic growth and the creation of good paying jobs in our state.”
The BCJA updates Illinois’ premier incentive programs to 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. Companies that completed construction projects in 2021 (the effective date of the legislation) or later are eligible to apply for credits.
Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), eligible companies can receive tax credits equal to 75 percent of the income tax attributable to construction workers on eligible projects located in an underserved area or 50 percent for projects located in other areas. The BCJA is designed to further incentivize major capital investments in communities across Illinois and create good paying construction jobs.
Additional eligibility information can be found on the DCEO website, click here.