Reitz-Backed Legislation Creating Task Force to Step-Up Vocational Jobs Training Now Law

RED BUD, Ill. – State Rep. Nathan Reitz, D-Steeleville, is working to create good-paying, local jobs with his support of legislation creating the Training in the Building Trades Program to award grants to community organizations to establish vocational jobs training courses.

“We need to invest in good-paying jobs and put Illinoisans back to work,” Reitz said. “Too many hard-working people in communities across the state are underemployed or underpaid and just waiting on an opportunity to learn a new trade so they can provide for their families. I want to build a stronger Illinois, and we’re only going to do that if everyone has the opportunity to a good-paying job.”

Following his strong record of supporting legislation which boosts economic opportunity and helps to create new jobs, Reitz supported House Bill 2304, which creates the Training in Building Trades Program in the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The goal of this program is to provide opportunities for people between 18 and 35 to learn trade skills, especially in construction, electrical trades or plumbing. The program is also required to give grants to at least three organizations in five geographic areas in Illinois: Central, Northeastern, Southern, Western and Metro-East. The bill received strong bipartisan support and is now law.

“Our communities need more job training opportunities for local residents and students, and this law will create them,” Reitz said. “While we still have a long way to go, this is a big step forward towards creating the thriving economy that Southern Illinois deserves.”