Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) has released the application for the Blue Collar Jobs Act (BCJA) Tax Credit. State Representative Ryan Spain co-sponsored the legislation, during the 101st General Assembly. There will be $20 million available annually, for companies that are looking to expand and grow in Illinois.
“It’s not every day that the General Assembly is able to work across the aisle to pass legislation, to support Illinois workers at the magnitude of this Blue Collar Jobs Act,” said Representative Ryan Spain (R-Peoria). “I’m pleased to see this Act come to fruition and look forward to seeing the resulting economic development and progress across the State.”
The BCJA offers a program to provide tax credits attributable to the wages paid to the construction workers on eligible projects. Businesses included 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 are eligible.
Companies that have completed construction projects in 2021 (the effective date of the legislation) or later are eligible to apply for credits.
DCEO will host a Technical Assistance Webinar to share details regarding the BCJA program application and processes, on Monday, June 26, 2023, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Click below to sign up and RSVP. Companies looking for information are encouraged to email ceo.bcja@illinois.gov or visit the BCJA website.