ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie’s (D-Arlington Heights) proposed grant program designed to close educational and employment shortfalls in the manufacturing, health care and innovative technology industries was signed into law.

Senate Bill 1919 creates the 21st Century Employment Grant Program. The program creates an advisory board of employers, educators and unions to analyze shortfalls in work skills needed today and for the future. Grants from the program will be awarded to community colleges and high schools working with local businesses to develop those skills in their students while filling job vacancies in the community.

“Employers want to be based in states that make long-term investments in their workforce,” said Gillespie. “Not only will this measure fill well-paying jobs that already exist, but they will also make Illinois more attractive to prospective employers and create jobs in every community.”

The Illinois Community College Board will track the progress of each grant recipient to ensure that the educational and employment goals in their community are being met.

Senate Bill 1919 is effective immediately.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – A study to identify where the state could expand apprenticeship programs under a plan introduced by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) was approved by the governor on Friday.

Senate Bill 2024 requires the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to conduct a study on the potential expansion of apprenticeship programs in the state by June 1, 2020. The study will focus on underserved communities with high unemployment. The Department will then report its findings to the General Assembly and recommend how to expand work-based learning opportunities.

“My goal is to see what we can do in Illinois to close the gap between workforce needs and available apprenticeship programs,” said Gillespie who has made career and technical education one of her priorities. “Under this plan, the state would devote more time to studying demographic and regional workforce trends so that we can better prepare to meet the needs of employers and employees in Illinois.”

Senate Bill 2024 is effective immediately.

CHICAGO – A bill sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) that would give employers a tax break for assisting apprentices with tuition was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker today.

“When I came to Springfield, I wanted to provide young people with affordable, alternative learning opportunities,” said Gillespie. “This credit will incentivize employers to make meaningful investments in their labor force and give young people marketable job skills.”

Senate Bill 1591 creates a tax credit of $3,500 to incentivize employers to assist apprentices with tuition at Illinois community colleges. The credit is limited to employers engaged in a registered apprenticeship program with the U.S. Department of Labor. This measure is an initiative of the Office of the Governor.

Senate Bill 1591 is effective immediately.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – For their efforts to finalize the state’s first capital construction plan in a decade, State Sen. Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) and State Rep. Mark Walker (D-Arlington Heights) were given the Friend of Infrastructure Award by the Transportation for Illinois Coalition today.

TFIC, an umbrella organization of business, labor and transportation groups that have advocated for transportation investment for nearly 20 years, has worked closely with lawmakers in Springfield on the state’s Rebuild Illinois program. Funding shortfalls over the past decade caused many problems with Illinois’ transportation system, including poorly maintained roads and bridges and outdated public facilities.

“Our transportation system has been neglected for too long,” said Sen. Gillespie. “The capital plan will invest in roads and bridges along with over $1 billion in rail projects that will support commuters. This investment in rail transit will allow commuters to save costs on their personal vehicles, have positive impacts on our environment and give businesses more opportunities to thrive.”

Rebuild Illinois invests $45 billion into the state’s economy to fix aging infrastructure across the state. According to estimates from the Governor’s Office, the Village of Arlington Heights will receive just short of $3 million in state funds as part of the program.

“After Illinois’ recent history of dysfunction, the historic and bipartisan vote for infrastructure investment sends a strong and positive message to residents and taxpayers,” said TFIC Managing Director Jennifer Morrison. “Elected officials believe in Illinois and its future and are here to make sure investments that benefit all citizens are made in a responsible way.”