Rep. Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) added some ammunition to the importance of the firearms manufacturing sector in Illinois recently, posting its contributions to the economy on her website.

McCombie took part in the Illinois Firearms Manufacturing Industry Tour, which offered a behind-the-scenes look at Geneseo’s Springfield Armory and Colona’s Rock River Arms. The daylong event also included a presentation from Princeton’s L.W. Schneider, a firearm component manufacturer, and an opportunity for participants to practice their marksmanship at the Milan Rifle Club.

According to McCombie’s post, the firearm manufacturing industry contributes $2.18 billion to Illinois’ economy and $129 million each year in state taxes, as well as $200 million in federal taxes. The sector’s 194 businesses pay out $639 million in wages to approximately 14,000 workers, with an average salary of $59,000 per year, she wrote.

The sector also contributes to local community organizations through support of Little League teams, Boy and Girl Scouts and organizations like Komen for the Cure and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.