Turner Advocates for Expansion of Urban Weatherization Job Training Initiative

CHICAGO – State Rep. Arthur Turner, D-Chicago, is sponsoring legislation to expand weatherization grants given to community organizations, expanding access to job training and helping people make improvements to their homes.

“As legislators we have a responsibility to help people find ways they can invest in themselves and our community,” Turner said. “The urban weatherization program not only offers people job training and opportunities to provide for their families, but anyone who hires a trained professional saves money on heating and electricity every month. Programs like this are a win-win for our community.”

The urban weatherization program provides grants to community organizations that offer job trainings in weatherization. Some of the skills that are taught include how to properly seal windows and doors, install heating and cooling units and replace water heaters. Turner’s House Bill 5785 would increase the maximum grant that can be awarded. Additionally, the legislation requires that each grant also makes use of federal funds that are available in an effort to increase the impact of each project.

“Even though Illinois is facing a budget impasse, we cannot stop investing in our community,” Turner said. “This legislation allows for the successful urban weatherization program to continue by using federal funds to supplement funding that the state provides. This program addresses many of the challenges that our community faces and we cannot allow it to fall to the wayside.”

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