“Illinois businesses drive our economy,” Bertino-Tarrant said. “These job-creating programs were formed in collaboration with businesses across Illinois to encourage growth and stability that will invite companies to make our community their home.”

She said the Blue Collar Jobs Act will incentivize large-scale construction projects and jobs investment by issuing tax credits to companies that build, renovate or expand facilities in Illinois.

The Manufacturer’s Purchase Credit extends the tax credit to include certain supplies and consumables used in manufacturing facilities.

The credit was set to expire two years ago during the budget impasse, but the legislature, including Bertino-Tarrant, voted to renew the program.

Bertino-Tarrant also touted the state’s commitment of $20 million in new funding to invest in skills training and workforce development programming.

The Illinois Community College Board will review the programs with the goal of supporting efforts to provide appropriate training to skilled professions experiencing workforce shortages, to encourage the hiring of in-state workers.