ROCKFORD – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) joined Gov. JB Pritzker and other officials at Rock Valley College’s Advanced Technology Center to celebrate the signing of the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act on Tuesday.

“The REV Act invests in both job creators and working people across Illinois to make us a nationwide leader in the electric vehicle industry,” Gillespie said. “Covering training costs for new hires and protecting living wages for current employees will provide a foundation for working people to build long-term careers in a growing industry.”

The REV Act provides financial incentives to electric vehicle, parts and power supply manufacturers. To qualify for tax credits on income tax withholdings, manufacturers must pay their employees at least 120% of the average wage paid in the county where the project is located. The legislation includes expanded tax credits for employers in underserved and energy transition areas.

Illinois currently employs 36,000 workers in the auto production industry, ranking 9th in the nation. House Bill 1769 is effective immediately.

SPRINGFIELD – Backing his promise to expand electric vehicle production in both the Rockford area and state as a whole, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) championed the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act, which was signed into law Tuesday.

“This growing field indicates room for job growth in the electric vehicle market,” Stadelman said. “Illinois is working to encourage electric vehicle manufacturers and their suppliers to keep and bring their production facilities here. That will lead to good paying jobs in Northern Illinois and across the state.”

EAST ST. LOUIS – This holiday season, Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea) and Representative LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis) are collecting toys to give children in need a special holiday surprise.

The toys will be collected now through Dec. 10. Toys for children of all ages can be dropped off at Belt’s office, located at Kenneth Hall Regional Office Building #10 Collinsville Ave., Suite 201A in East St. Louis. Residents can drop off toys Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“The holiday season is a time we buy gifts for our loved ones,” Belt said. “Many families in our communities struggle financially during the holidays. I encourage residents to donate new or gently used toys so a child in need can enjoy a gift this season.”

Call for Help, Inc., a local organization which will receive the donated toys, works to change lives by giving people skills and support that empower them to overcome emotional and physical crisis. The organization serves the Greater Metro East and surrounding areas to end homelessness, poverty and violence.

If residents have questions about the toy drive, Belt urges them to contact his office at 618-875-1212 or Greenwood’s office at 618-646-9557.

OAK PARK – Senate President Don Harmon released the following statement today after President Joe Biden signed a historic investment in infrastructure:

“I look forward to the transformative projects Illinois will be able to begin as a result of this legislation. Every region of Illinois will benefit. We have the opportunity to modernize our infrastructure, create good-paying jobs, improve public transportation, increase access to broadband Internet and further our commitment to green energy.”

CHICAGO— State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. (D-Chicago), Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore and 21st Ward Alderman Howard Brookins Jr. released a joint statement following a deadly shooting incident which occurred late Monday morning near their shared district office:

“Today a violent incident occurred outside of our shared district office in which a security guard’s life was taken, and another guard was shot and wounded, by yet another senseless act of gun violence.

PLAINFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel’s office will be traveling to the Oswego Public Library on Thursday, Nov. 18 from 11:30 a.m.— 12:30 p.m. to increase accessibility to residents throughout the 49^th District.

Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) hosts traveling office hours every month at different locations and times of day to increase the availability of state assistance and informational resources.

“As we get ready for the next legislative session, it is vital that we take the opportunity to sit down and discuss issues that matter the most to our community and state,” Loughran Cappel said. “The work we do every day is guided by the opinions and input of area residents.”

Loughran Cappel urges residents unable to attend the monthly office hours to reach out to her office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com to take her legislative survey.

NEW LENOX – Ahead of Saturday’s Coffee, Conversation and Constituent Services event, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is reminding residents to take the opportunity to share ideas and concerns with their representation in Springfield.

“Giving residents the opportunity to come to the table and provide input on what’s happening in our community or in Springfield is vital, and that’s why my office continues to host events like this,” Joyce said. “I look forward to talking with everyone over a cup of coffee and hearing about the issues that are important to them.”

The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 20 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Gost Coffee Roasters located at 1333 S. Schoolhouse Rd. in New Lenox.

This is another effort from Joyce’s office to increase government accountability and accessibility by hosting this traveling event at different times, locations and days of the week in hopes of reaching working families across Will, Cook, Kankakee and Grundy Counties.

This event is free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit his website at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

­CHICAGO – State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and State Representative Lindsey LaPointe (D-Chicago) are partnering with other elected officials and immigrant and refugee support organizations to host a refugee town hall at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 18.

“With humanitarian crises rising across the globe, our community will welcome some 500 refugees to the Chicago area,” Villivalam said. “Join us for an open forum on how we can welcome our new neighbors and create a lasting support network.”