Avelar Bill Expanding Skilled Workforce Opportunity Becomes Law

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. — More skilled workforce opportunities will be available for those without high school diplomas, thanks to a new law headed by state Rep Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D- Bolingbrook, that fills critical job shortages while prioritizing work for those without traditional high school or college credentials.

“This legislation will help smaller villages and towns, especially in rural and underserved areas, fill critical water workforce gaps,” said Avelar. “By making these stable, well-paying careers more accessible to individuals who didn’t go down a ‘traditional’ career path, we’re expanding economic opportunities while ensuring enough hands are on deck to fill these critical positions that provide clean water for communities to use and enjoy.”

Avelar’s House Bill 1699 establishes a program within the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to train individuals as wastewater operators and water supply operators. The program will prioritize applicants who did not receive a high school diploma, thus expanding workforce opportunities for Illinoisans all while combating a shortage of skilled water and wastewater operators in this area.

“We’re protecting not only our communities’ access to drinking water and wastewater utilities but we’re opening up doors for those not considered for important positions like these in the past, ultimately hitting two birds with one stone,” said Avelar.

House Bill 1699 was signed into law August 1 and goes into effect January 1 of next year.