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WGLT, an NPR station in central Illinois, is following every move at the Rivian manufacturing plant in Normal, Illinois. The electric vehicle startup has gone from stealth mode to big-time player in the auto world, attracting attention (and big money) from companies like Ford and Amazon.

Unit 5 Approves Rivian Giveaways Despite Financial Worries

Mike Miletich
/
WGLT

The Unit Five School District in McLean County is the latest local taxing body to approve Rivian Automotive's tax incentive package.

Rivian CEO R.J. Scaringe spoke to board members Wednesday night about the educational opportunities Unit Five students could have with his company's technology.

Superintendent Mark Daniel said he is excited because Rivian relates to the district's goal to be innovative. 

"How do we bring real world into the classroom? How do we bring critical thinking and entrepreneurship, all the things we're about," said Daniel. "Now we have another anchor in our community to attach to."

Daniel said he is worried about Rivian receiving a total property tax abatement for five years. The district could lose close to $390,000 in property tax revenue per year over that span.

Daniel said Unit Five is struggling to balance its budget due to lack of state funding. This giveaway could make finances worse. He said community leaders need to help the district during this tough stretch. 

"If there's one community that does that so very well, it's the Bloomington-Normal area. When we do have a true need and the community believes it, this community is a very giving community that comes together to solve problems," said Daniel.

Scaringe and representatives of Rivian will meet with the McLean County Board next week.

Mike joined GLT's staff as a student reporter in February of 2016 having worked previously as a reporter at Illinois State University's student radio station, 103.3 WZND. He acted as a director for the WZND newsroom for two years. Mike was also seen as a reporter, producer, and anchor at TV-10 News. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism in May of 2017 before starting his post-graduate career with the Public Affairs Reporting Masters Program at University of Illinois Springfield.
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