(110 ILCS 805/2-24)

Sec. 2-24. We Want to Learn English Initiative.

(a) Subject to appropriation and Section 7 of the Board of Higher Education Act, the State Board may establish and administer a We Want to Learn English Initiative to provide resources for immigrants and refugees in this State to learn English in order to move towards becoming full members of American society.

(b) If funds are appropriated for this Initiative, then the State Board must disburse no less than half of the funds appropriated each fiscal year to community-based, not-for-profit organizations, immigrant social service organizations, faith-based organizations, and on-site job training programs so that immigrants and refugees can learn English where they live, work, pray, and socialize and where their children go to school.

(c) Funds for the We Want to Learn English Initiative may be used only to provide programs that teach English to United States citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other persons residing in this State who are in lawful immigration status.

(Source: P.A. 100-884, eff. 1-1-19.)