Illinois news in brief: Biden grants temporary work visas to Venezuelan migrants; Chicago signs nearly $30 million deal for migrant tents; Republican lawmakers object to Gotion factory deal
Biden grants temporary work visas to Venezuelan migrants
Thousands of migrants in Illinois will be able to work after the Biden administration’s Department of Homeland Security issued protections and temporary work visas for Venezuelan migrants in the United States. Gov. J.B. Pritzker praised the move and said the migrants will be able to fill job openings in industries ranging from the medical field to hospitality.
Chicago signs nearly $30 million deal for migrant tents
A contractor quietly sealed a 12-month deal with the city of Chicago to provide military-grade basecamp tents for migrants costing taxpayers nearly $30 million. The Chicago Tribune reports that GardaWorld Federal Services will provide emergency logistics management and operation services for a shelter and other necessary services for new arrivals.
Republican lawmakers object to Gotion factory deal
More opposition to a Chinese-linked electric vehicle battery manufacturer getting tax credits is surfacing. State and Kankakee County area officials announced earlier this month that Gotion will be bringing a $2 billion battery plant to Manteno with the help of hundreds of millions of dollars in state and federal tax credits. A group of Republican congressmen sent the U.S. Treasury Secretary a letter urging the deal to be halted because of the company’s alleged ties to the Chinese Community Party.
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