Macon Reporter

Brad Halbrook, a House Representative of the Illinois House of Representatives, has criticized Governor JB Pritzker's decision to provide incentives for a Chinese company to build a battery plant in Manteno, Illinois. Halbrook argues that the deal with Gotion High-tech, a company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party, is a bad deal for the state and for the town of Manteno. He raises concerns about human rights violations committed by the Chinese government, including forced abortion, forced sterilization, and the detention of Uyghurs and other minority groups. Halbrook also questions why the company is receiving more tax incentives than the cost of building the plant. He highlights that the deal was negotiated behind closed doors and criticizes the lack of proper disclosure requirements and protection of proprietary information. Halbrook accuses Governor Pritzker of trying to turn Illinois into the Western version of the People's Republic of China.

The EV battery plant, which is expected to create 2,600 jobs, is set to open in Manteno next year. Governor Pritzker has hailed the investment as the largest electric vehicle battery production investment in Illinois to date. He sees it as a testament to the state's attractiveness for companies and investors, with talented workers, excellent transportation systems, and a collaborative economic growth mindset from government partners at all levels.

Halbrook, who has served in the Illinois House of Representatives since 2017, raises questions about the deal and the incentives provided to Gotion High-tech. He compares the amount offered to American companies in the past and questions what was offered and rejected. Halbrook also raises concerns about the lack of disclosure requirements and protection of proprietary information in the deal.