In a letter sent to Rep. Kam Buckner, a group of Chicago’s black pastors said that faith leaders are concerned about the impact of House Bill 4663, which would allow pilot projects for autonomous vehicles in Illinois. The statement comes as the bill remains in the Illinois House Rules Committee after being introduced by Rep. Kam Buckner and assigned to the Transportation Vehicles and Safety Committee.
The issue is important because transportation and material moving jobs are vital sources of employment for Black and Brown workers in Chicago. The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning reports that low-income and minority communities rely heavily on driving jobs for economic stability, with thousands of positions tied to local delivery trucking and transit services. These occupations have historically offered a pathway to the middle class for families on the south and west sides according to the agency.
“We cannot allow innovation to become a high-tech excuse for exclusion. Such a sudden disruption would not just shift the economy, it would decimate the livelihoods of thousands of hard-working drivers, to the primary benefit of a handful of massive tech corporations. We must promote innovation, yes, but not at the cost of workers and communities. Let us ensure that when the future arrives in Illinois, it arrives for everyone,” Turner III said.
The statement appeared in a letter dated March 25, sent to Leader Buckner and copied to members of the House and Senate Black Caucuses concerning HB4663, the Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Project Act. The bill was introduced by Rep. Kam Buckner to create procedures for autonomous vehicle testing and deployment, including requirements for operational design domains submitted to the Department of Transportation. The pastors represent churches embedded in neighborhoods from South Shore to West Garfield Park on the south and west sides of Chicago according to supporting documents.
National analyses indicate autonomous vehicles could displace up to 3.5 million truck driving jobs across the United States once full adoption occurs, with additional impacts on taxi and delivery roles totaling around 4.4 million driving-dependent positions. Research from economic studies projects gradual reductions in commercial driver employment as technology advances, particularly in long-haul segments. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data confirm driver and truck operator occupations currently employ millions, with notable representation from Black workers at 20.2 percent in that category according to national labor market data.
Turner III serves as senior pastor at New Spiritual Light MB Church in Chicago’s south side where he has participated in public advocacy on legislative matters affecting local employment and neighborhood investments according to church information.
