Lilly Pushing Bill to Help Students Get Ahead in Competitive Workforce

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  – Local students will be better prepared to enter a competitive workforce under new legislation introduced by state Rep. Camille Y. Lilly, D-Chicago, which will teach young people good work ethics at an early age.

“Today’s youth are our future leaders who will be tasked with the issues we are dealing with today and more,” said Lilly. “I believe that it is critical for our students to have the opportunities to learn a good work ethic so they can develop those skills every day and confront the issues at hand.”

Currently, state law requires eighth through 12th grade curricula to include a variety of workforce readiness topics, including career expectations, financial literacy and college preparation. Lilly’s House Bill 2263 expands these standards by requiring students in sixth and seventh grades to review be exposed to topics including work ethic, professionalism, work readiness and appropriate workplace attire. Lilly believes these additions will help students learn to prioritize their work and begin to think about potential career paths.

Lilly won bipartisan support for a similar measure in 2018, only to have the bill blocked by Gov. Bruce Rauner. The renewed push for this legislation is part of Lilly’s ongoing effort ensure all students are prepared to compete for good careers in an increasingly competitive economy.

“Instilling a good work ethic in students early on means they will seek out other opportunities that might fit their interests and get more involved with their friends and community,” said Lilly. “This is especially true for the students in underserved communities who may not have the same opportunities for their fellow classmates across Illinois. I am fighting for them to have a chance to follow their dreams and live a fulfilling life.”