SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, delivered a major energy modernization bill Thursday, bringing labor unions, environmental advocates and business groups together to protect local power plant jobs and expand access to new career training as the industry moves toward renewable energy.

“By bringing everyone to the table we were able to protect Illinois jobs and ensure energy needs are met while we transition to renewable energy,” Hoffman said. “The energy industry has long been at the heart of our economies in the Metro East and Southern Illinois, and has created good-paying jobs and a strong middle-class life for so many. So as that industry continues to evolve along with national and global trends, we need protect these local jobs and create new training opportunities that keep our communities on the cutting edge.”

Hoffman was a lead negotiator of Senate Bill 2408, which was approved with bipartisan support during a special session of the Illinois House of Representatives. The Hoffman-sponsored legislation protects jobs in Southern Illinois and the Metro East while the state transitions to renewable energy. While working with labor unions, local stakeholders, and environmental and business advocates, Hoffman also worked to prioritize programs across the state to train people for green energy jobs and to also help foster new small businesses in renewable energy. The measure also strengthens ethical standards for utility companies, increasing transparency and prohibiting energy providers from passing legal fees onto customers.

“The energy industry is on the brink of major changes, and as that happens we need to ensure that no one loses their livelihood by creating new high paying jobs in the Metro East and Southern Illinois,” said Hoffman. “This agreement positions our communities to thrive in tomorrow’s economy and helps people train for the high-wage jobs of the future.”

CHICAGO – State Rep. John D’Amico, D-Chicago, is continuing his efforts to increase access to career opportunities in the trades by working to expand vocational job training through his support of a law creating the Training in Building Trades Program, which awards grants to community organizations that offer jobs training classes.

“I have seen firsthand how a career in the trades can offer good-paying reliable jobs for families like mine and countless more in our area,” D’Amico said. “Especially as the price of higher education has skyrocketed, going into the trades offers a rewarding career path for young people.”

To create good-paying jobs for middle-class families, D’Amico passed 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 bill received strong bipartisan support and was recently signed into law by the governor.

“Many companies, especially manufacturing firms, have positions that they need to fill, yet they don’t have applicants with the proper training to fill these jobs,” D’Amico said. “The skills gained in vocational training programs are highly in-demand and will open up job opportunities with good-pay and benefits for young people and individuals looking to transition into a new career.”

CHICAGO – State Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, is partnering with Chicago State University and Washington Heights Workforce Center to host a free job readiness and résumé writing workshop.

“Oftentimes, the quality of a jobseeker’s resume can determine whether or not they receive a callback from a potential employer,” said Slaughter. “Hosting job readiness and résumé writing workshops helps ensure that community members are equipped with the skills to make their best impression on paper and succeed in interviews.”

 Slaughter’s Job Readiness and Résumé Writing Workshop will feature experts from both Chicago State University and Washington Heights Workforce Center who will give attendees information on how to prepare for interviews and revise their résumés. This workshop is a part of Rep. Slaughter’s ongoing series of job readiness workshops known as Rep. Slaughter’s Community Careers Initiative.

Who: State Representative Justin Slaughter

What: Job Readiness and Résumé Writing Workshop

When: Thursday, Sept. 26, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Where: Rep. Slaughter’s District Office, 1234 W. 95th St. in Chicago

RSVP:  773-445-9700, nolan.repslaughter@gmail.com or nathaneilwinston@repslaughter.com

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new law backed by state Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, will expand access to apprenticeship programs and ensure all have a pathway to high-paying careers.

“Illinois has a shortage of skilled workers.  This makes us less competitive as a state to those businesses requiring skilled workers, and I want to strengthen Illinois by training Illinoisans for the skilled jobs that lay the foundation for good careers,” Connor said. “This legislation will create opportunities for all Illinoisans to learn a trade and help fill Illinois’ shortage of skilled workers.”

Connor backed Senate Bill 534, which creates the Bureau on Apprenticeship Programs within the Department of Labor. The bureau will be responsible for increasing minority participation in apprenticeship programs by identifying and eliminating potential barriers to entry. Connor’s legislation also increases what percentages of state contracts are required to go to businesses owned by minorities.

“The cycle of poverty can be broken through education and training, and the opportunity to work a good-paying, practical job should not be a privilege some communities are excluded from,” Connor said. “Right now, some Illinoisans have limited access to the training required for skilled jobs, just because of the color of their skin or their gender. We need to do everything we can to nurture economic growth in minority communities. Inequality didn’t start in a vacuum, it started in how people chose to treat each other based on their differences; and it won’t fix itself until we choose to change how we treat each other, despite our differences.”

ALTON, Ill. –State Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton is teaming up with Lewis and Clark Community College to host an Adult Education Seminar to connect residents with education and job training resources available to them on Thursday, June 20 at 6 p.m.

“One of my goals in Springfield has been to support education at every level, and ensure that each person has access to affordable and quality education, whether it’s higher education, technical or job skills training, ,” said Bristow. “This is an opportunity for people to take that important first step in looking at new resources and programs that can help them further their education.”

The seminar will feature presentations highlighting programs offered by the Lewis and Clark Adult Education Division and Madison County Employment and Training. Presenters will talk about the options for adults wishing to pursue GED classes or improve their reading skills with a mentor through project READ. Other services related to career development in fields such as construction will also be present, including the YouthBuild Building Future where out-of-school youth can earn their GED while learning job skills rehabbing affordable housing for low-income families. The seminar will be held at the Scott Bibb Center at 1004 E 5th St. in Alton on Thursday, June 20 with presentations starting 6:00 PM and a tour of the facility at 7:30 PM. The event is free and no reservation is required. Free child care will also be provided.

“General education and job training opportunities are something that should be available to anyone regardless of age or income,” said Bristow. “I want to thank Lewis and Clark for their work in helping put this program together and offering these educational services,” said Bristow.

For more information contact Bristow’s constituent service office at 618-465-5900.

CHICAGO –State Rep. Lamont J. Robinson, Jr., D-Chicago, used this Spring session to fight for a fairer tax system, expand access to job training and child care, create economic opportunity, and protect vital health care services for minors and women.

Robinson backed a Fair Tax, which requires millionaires and billionaires to pay their share and provide modest tax relief to 97% of working families.  Illinois’ tax system is among the most unfair in the country and working families bear too much of a burden, which is why Robinson fought to make the wealthiest pay their fair share so we balance the budget and fund critical services like health care for seniors.

“This year, my colleagues and I took important steps to pass a balanced budget that invests in our local economy and moves our state toward a better future,” Robinson said. “The Fair Tax is a first step toward a fairer tax system that provides modest relief to working families and ensures the very wealthy pay their fair share.”

Committed to expanding access to health care, Robinson backed legislation to protect health care coverage for Illinoisans with pre-existing conditions, as well as legislation to prevent excessive premium hikes. Robinson sponsored Senate Bill 2026, which keeps Illinois from entering into waivers being pushed by the Trump Administration that would expand plans that cover less and cost more. Robinson also stood with all women in Illinois by voting to pass Senate Bill 25, the Reproductive Health Act, which protects the fundamental rights of women from extremist politicians in states like Alabama and Georgia.

Additionally, Robinson led the charge on expanding access to preventive health care by passing House Bill 2665, which allows minors over the age of 12 to receive HPV vaccines, be prescribed pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, as well as contraceptives without parental consent.

“Health care is a human right, and we must remove barriers that make it less accessible,” Robinson said. “The well-being of our community is my top priority, and I will continue supporting measures that expand access to quality and affordable health care to all Illinoisans.”

Robinson also worked to prevent senseless violence from occurring in his community and around the state by backing commonsense gun safety legislation to modernize the tools available to local law to ensure public safety. He voted to pass Senate Bill 1966, which would fix the Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) Act by closing a loophole that the Aurora gunman exploited to get his hands on a firearm, as well as streamlining the revocation process for local law enforcement.

“Protecting our families from senseless gun violence is critical,” Robinson said. “This legislation is a necessary step that will improve background checks and provide law enforcement with the tools they need to prevent criminals from getting their hands on a firearm.”

Robinson also took steps to improve our children’s education by introducing House Bill 2668, which would create child opportunity zones to deliver a comprehensive system of early childhood education and social services that aim to improve student performance in school. In addition, he fought to create an elected Chicago school board that will truly address the needs of students and local families, providing greater transparency and representation.

“Access to a quality education and other services has a significant impact on a child’s future, and we must implement measures that ensure our children have the resources they need to be successful,” Robinson said. “We must also make sure that those who may not have had access to those resources can get a second chance and work toward a better future.”

As an advocate for social justice, Robinson introduced legislation to create the Neighborhood Sealing and Expungement Court Pilot Program to make the expungement process easier and more accessible for residents across Chicago. Robinson also supported cannabis legislation, House Bill 1438, which secured expungements for past offenses and investments in minority-owned businesses.

“Making it easier to have records expunged will benefit residents in our community and enable them to pursue opportunities for a brighter future,” Robinson said. “Legalizing cannabis is about equity and ensuring that we are undoing the consequences of the War on Drugs, as well as taking the necessary steps to create more opportunities in black and brown neighborhoods.”

“My commitment to strengthening our community means fighting for affordable health care, protecting our families from violence, providing access to a quality education and high-wage jobs and relieving the tax burden on middle-class families,” Robinson said. “While there is more work to be done, we have made great strides toward building a stronger Illinois that puts working families first.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Recent legislation sponsored by state Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, that creates a statewide task force to develop employment opportunities for young people recently passed, and a measure aimed at funding violence prevention programs recently moved to the House floor for a vote.

“This is a great victory for our underemployed youth across Illinois,” said Harper. “This taskforce will be equipped to tackle unemployment issues and try to line up opportunities for young adults who are wanting to work hard. Now the fight is to ensure that anti-violence programs have the funds necessary to combat crime on the streets, saving people and their families from senseless crimes.”

Harper is the chief sponsor of Senate Joint Resolution 10, which was recently adopted by both legislative chambers. The Task Force on Developing Opportunities for Youth and Young Adults will study available opportunities for unemployed youth, and explore ways to do the much needed street level outreach to youth and young adults who are unemployed.

Another measure sponsored by Harper passed out of the House Appropriations-Public Safety Committee, and will be considered on the House floor. House Bill 4008 would provide $2 million in funding to community based organizations that handle violence prevention, job training, youth sports, library workshops and more. Harper believes that these policies will help young adults find employment while also enhancing existing public safety programs and motivate young people to turn away from a life of crime.

“When kids have opportunities to become invested in their communities, violence decreases,” Harper said. “Violence does not go away all by itself, and there needs to be stable programs in place that actively combat a life of crime at every corner. Our kids deserve the best possible opportunities, and so I urge my colleagues to vote on this and send it to the governor.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Veterans will have better access to health services, treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and job training under legislation backed by state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, intended to help returning service members transition into civilian life and prevent veteran suicide.

“The toughest part of our veteran’s journey shouldn’t be their transition home,” said Yingling. “What makes this country special is that we stand up at baseball games for veterans, we put them in first class on their airplanes, and thank them for their service while walking in the neighborhood. But our government programs’ ability to meet veterans’ needs, especially for mental health, do not meet the moral commitment that our citizens demand. Enough is enough.”

According to a recent study by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, 22 veterans commit suicide every day in this country. Yingling is working to address this crisis by sponsoring House Bill 2647. House Bill 2647 is a package of reforms to streamline access to existing services for veterans and providing new accommodations for returning service members as they seek civilian jobs and educational opportunities, all in an effort to reduce the number of veteran suicides. The reforms are recommendations of the Illinois Task Force on Veterans’ Suicide, which Yingling voted to create in 2014. The panel of legislators, veterans and their advocates met throughout the state to gather information and craft legislation that will allow the state to more effectively meet the needs of the veteran community.

The bill would also cut red tape and expedite filing of discharge paperwork, so veterans can begin receiving mental health treatment, job training and other services sooner. The state would work with the Department of Defense in creating a system where this important information is immediately filed when a service member is discharged from the Armed Forces. The IDVA would also partner with local chambers of commerce to create employer training programs for returning veterans and highlight “veteran friendly” employers.

“We have asked a small percent of our country to fight 100% of our wars,” Yingling continued. “As our troops have gone beyond the call of duty during their service, so should we back home in providing them the care they deserve.”

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.”

# # #

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.”

# # #