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.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Senator Ann Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights) announced today that adult literacy programs in her district will receive $235,000 in state grants.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White awarded the grants through the Adult Literacy Grant Program, which helps learners develop and enhance their reading, math, writing and English-language skills.

“These programs provide adults with the skills needed to enter the workforce,” said Gillespie. “Continued investment in these programs will deliver positive long-term results and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be successful.”

The programs receiving funding in the 27th District are:

• Read to Learn Adult Literacy, Township High School Dist. 214: $100,000
• Family Literacy at the Women's & Children's Center with the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, Township High School Dist. 214: $50,000
• Illinois Adult Learning Hotline, The Center: $85,000

A total of 14,352 learners will be served by adult literacy programs around the state. A total of 6,086 volunteer tutors will provide training for learners putting them on the path to lifelong learning. Adult literacy projects help adults who read below the ninth-grade level or speak English at a beginning level to improve their reading, writing, math or use of English as a new language.

“An estimated 2.1 million Illinois residents need adult literacy and/or English-language instruction,” White said. “I am pleased to provide funding for 113 local literacy projects that will allow adult learners to achieve their utmost potential in the upcoming year. I will continue to do all I can to ensure that every citizen of this state has access to quality literacy programs.”
In total, the secretary of state’s office awarded $5.6 million in grants to adult literacy programs around the state.
To learn more about adult literacy grant programs, visit https://cyberdriveillinois.com/departments/library/literacy/adultlit-grants-overview.html.