Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Freedom Caucus resonates with the opposition expressed by Manteno residents on the proposed construction of a Chinese battery plant in the village. The controversy pertains to concerns about tax incentives given to the company and its ties with the Chinese Communist Party.

“The people of Manteno are continuing to fight against the Chinese Communist Company ‘Gotion’ receiving Millions$$ in tax incentives for a battery factory in their community,” the Illinois Freedom Caucus said on Facebook. “The people deserve answers to questions on national security, risks to the environment, fiscal impact, and beyond!”

The Illinois Freedom Caucus linked to a planned protest occurring on Nov. 21 before the Manteno Planning Committee considers rezoning of the former K-Mart facility where Gotion is looking to build its factory. 

Amanda Piker, founder of No Gotion Illinois, expressed her support for the rally, aiming to oppose the potential rezoning for a lithium-ion battery plant in the town. 

The event, strategically organized before the Planning Commission Meeting, will feature attorney Robby Dube representing Manteno residents opposed to the Chinese battery manufacturer. Notable figures, including Illinois Senate District 40 candidate Phil Nagel, Wirepoint founder Mark Glennon, and Breakthrough Ideas CEO Jeanne Ives, a former state representative, are set to attend as special guests, with NewsNation confirming coverage.

The controversy surrounding Gotion escalated when the Chinese company sought $8 billion in taxpayer subsidies for a $2 billion battery manufacturing facility in Manteno. Gov. J.B. Pritzker has offered the CCP-linked company over $500 million in tax subsidies to build in Illinois. This move raised apprehensions among local residents and lawmakers, sparking opposition in multiple states, including North Dakota and Michigan. Residents, alongside a U.S. House committee, expressed reservations about significant financial support for a company with ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

While the controversy has been divisive in the community, the majority of Manteno residents are against the facility. According to a Wirepoints/Cor-Strategies poll, only a little over a quarter of those polled were in favor of the facility, and of those only 7% "strongly supported" the facility.