Chambana Sun

Brad Halbrook, a House Representative of the Illinois House of Representatives, has expressed concerns about a Chinese company, Gotion High-tech, building a battery plant in Manteno, Illinois. Halbrook argues that the deal is a bad one for the state and the town of Manteno due to Gotion's ties to the Chinese Communist Party and the human rights abuses committed by the party. He questions why taxpayers are providing $8 billion in economic incentives for a plant that only costs $2 billion to build and why a company with close ties to the Chinese Communist Party is receiving more tax incentives than the cost of constructing the plant.

Halbrook also criticizes the secrecy surrounding the deal, stating that it was done behind closed doors and without proper disclosure requirements. He raises concerns about the protection of proprietary information and the interests of the United States in the deal. Halbrook accuses Governor JB Pritzker of making Illinois the Western version of the People's Republic of China and giving half a billion dollars of taxpayer money to the Chinese Communist Party.

The battery plant, which is scheduled to open next year in Manteno, is expected to create 2,600 jobs. 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 Illinois' status as a leading destination for companies and investors. Pritzker emphasizes the economic growth and job creation opportunities that the plant will bring to the state.

In response to Halbrook's concerns, Governor Pritzker has not addressed the specific allegations but has focused on the economic benefits of the battery plant. He asserts that Illinois is on the rise and open for business, highlighting the state's talented workforce, transportation systems, and collaborative economic growth mindset.

As of now, the deal between Gotion High-tech and Illinois remains in place. The battery plant is set to be a significant investment in the state's manufacturing sector and is expected to contribute to Illinois' economic growth.