Sangamon Sun

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) thinks the MICRO act could have passed on its own merits, but he is happy that it has received support as part of another bill.

A tax relief bill that advanced through the General Assembly in early April included language from Butler's Manufacturing Illinois Chips for Real Opportunity (MICRO) Act as a House Floor amendment to Senate Bill 157. This has now passed the General Assembly with near-unanimous support.

"While I think the MICRO Act should have been passed on its own merits, I am nonetheless happy to see my colleagues recognize the benefits this legislation will bring to our state," Butler posted on his website. "The MICRO Act means hundreds, even thousands, of jobs can be created here in Illinois to make our state a leader in microchip and semiconductor production."

Butler originally filed House Bill 4364, or the MICRO Act, on Jan. 19, where it stalled in the House. The last recorded action on this bill was Feb. 18, when it was re-referred to the rules committee. If it had passed, it would have gone into effect immediately, creating tax incentives for manufacturers of semiconductors, microchips, or semiconductor or microchip component parts.

"This isn't just good for our economy, it also means shifting away from reliance on overseas components from countries like China," Butler said. The main aim of the MICRO Act is to establish certain parameters for the suppliers and manufacturers of semiconductors and microchips or their components. This, in turn, will help them receive incentives for job creation and project development.

Language from House Bill 4364 was added to Senate Bill 0157, which was originally filed by Sen. Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) on Feb. 9. It passed both chambers and is now awaiting Gov. J.B. Pritzker's signature.