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SPRINGFIELD – After winning a second term in office last week amidst a frenzied “lame duck” Congress, Governor JB Pritzker will step onto the global stage this week at the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. stood at
The governor and high-ranking members of his staff have joined a bipartisan delegation of U.S. politicians and global business leaders with the goal of “promoting Illinois as a major player on the world stage,” Pritzker said. He said in a phone call with the media on his return Thursday morning. .
In particular, Pritzker promoted Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Employment Act (CEJA). CEJA aims to have Illinois’ energy grid rely on 100% renewable energy sources by 2050.
“We’ve made it clear that we don’t have to stay in coastal states as we seek state-led legislation and leadership to tackle climate change and clean energy development,” Pritzker added.
CEJA has also set a goal of 1 million electric vehicles on Illinois roads by 2030. The state is making steady progress toward this goal, with the number of electric vehicles registered in the state increasing from 8,255 to 57,311 over the past five years.
A recent report from the Illinois Economic Policy Institute, which is affiliated with labor unions, said that 1 million EVs by 2030 could generate more than $1 billion in state and federal transportation revenues over the next decade. It has been pointed out that there is
Transportation infrastructure revenues are heavily dependent on motor fuel taxes, so the loss of revenue could reach $4.3 billion when fuel efficiency gains are factored in, the report notes.
When asked if he had plans to make up for the lost income, Pritzker said he found nothing “out of the ordinary” in the report, and the state continues to encourage EV adoption through tax credits. .
“It’s not that Illinois is doing anything detrimental to the future of infrastructure financing, but it’s not happening nationwide yet,” he said, though he didn’t specify other potential sources of revenue. I did.
Pritzker said he is also meeting with business and world leaders to discuss bringing more business to Illinois. In particular, he identified hydrogen energy as a potential growth area for Illinois.
On Tuesday, Pritzker visited the Wieland manufacturing facility in Vohringen, Germany, an industry leader in the manufacturing and processing of copper and copper alloys.
Wieland now has eight locations in Illinois, including East Alton, which was recently visited by the Governor of Illinois.
“I wanted them to know that if there was anything I could do to enhance their operations, I was helping them,” Pritzker said. “They have many other divisions … and bringing more of the rest of the company to Illinois is an opportunity I want to take advantage of.”
In a news release, Wieland’s CEO, Erwin Mayer, said the company is “helping to revitalize US manufacturing and serve critical industries in the areas of semiconductors and electric vehicles.”
“I look forward to continuing to work with Governor Pritzker and his administration to further develop these critical supply chains,” he said in a release.
On Wednesday night, Pritzker said he had dinner with the US ambassador to Switzerland and the US ambassador to Switzerland to discuss potential business relationships.
The governor is also touting two laws he signed into law last week: a state assault weapons ban, measures to protect abortion providers and out-of-state patients, and gender-affirming care.
“In my state, people want to ban assault weapons. “These aren’t happening at the federal level, and they shouldn’t be, but we’re doing it at the state level.”
Pritzker referred to these measures during a conference call with media on Thursday, calling himself “the best chief marketing officer in the state.”
“People will see our leadership in protecting reproductive rights, our focus on fiscal responsibility, our booming manufacturing sector, and the fact that we are filled with incredible talent to lead world-class universities and nations. It is the third largest community college system in the nation.”
The governor also downplayed Thursday morning’s POLITICO report that he was overheard talking about a possible White House bid “loudly in the Central Lounge of the Congress Center.” said he was with the reporter and gave the same answer he frequently gives to the local media.
“I intend to complete the four years I have just won as governor,” he said. “Illinois has a lot of challenges, we are continuing to work to overcome them, and we have already achieved a lot of success.”
Pritzker was accompanied by First Lady MK Pritzker, Chief of Staff Ann Caprara, and Lieutenant Governors Andy Manner and Christian Mitchell. is personally responsible for this,” he said.
“And of course there are security needs, so it’s covered by the state of Illinois,” he said.
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