HR0106 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0106 LRB095 11256 LCT 31757 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Illinois economy is transforming; despite having the nation's fifth largest state economy, the State ranked only 35th in economic growth over the last 15 years; and

WHEREAS, Illinois' economic growth is lagging because we are losing good jobs; between 1990 and 2005, the number of manufacturing jobs in Illinois declined by 24.3%, or 222,500; during this same period, 34% of job growth occurred in education, health services, and hospitality, sectors that currently pay, on average, 29% less than manufacturing jobs; adjusted for inflation, median wages have declined leaving families with the same income they had in 1989; nearly 685,000 working Illinoisans earn less than the living wage for a single adult - $17,950 annually; and

WHEREAS, 40% of new job growth will be in mid- to high-wage sectors; manufacturers will continue to be a major employer, but most of these jobs will require increasingly sophisticated levels of skill; in fact, over 35% of Illinois' new jobs will require an associate degree or higher and 71% of the highest wage jobs will require a post-secondary degree; and

WHEREAS, To attract high wage jobs, Illinois will need high-skilled workers; but, at the same time that our economy demands skilled workers in order to remain competitive and thrive, federal funds for workforce development continue to shrink, after adjusting for inflation; and

WHEREAS, It is time for Illinois to make a new commitment; about 594,000 twenty-five to fifty-four year olds have no high school diploma or equivalent; 60% of these working age individuals are without an associate degree or higher; just 35% of Illinois' young adults are enrolled in postsecondary education; over the next 15 years, 33% of the State's labor force will retire and the fastest growing segments of our population who must replace them have generally lower education levels; and

WHEREAS, Strong workforce development is a key driver of long-term business retention and growth; additionally, Illinois must use its economic development policies strategically targeting disadvantage areas to foster high-wage job creation and to leverage infrastructure investments; these are the tools that can ensure Illinois' families, businesses, and communities enjoy a prosperous future; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that, to compete successfully in a global economy and end poverty, Illinois needs an integrated economic and workforce development policy that works for everyone and that includes producing skilled workers in strong businesses with good jobs that foster thriving communities; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this new policy must provide lasting value to Illinois' 10 economic regions and offer sustainable programming that allows for the flexibility necessary to address regional differences in the economy, business climate and the workforce; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the General Assembly create, upon passage of this resolution, a bipartisan task force that shall hold public hearings, gather evidence, develop, and propose legislation and ultimately furnish a report that will:

(1) Ensure Illinoisans develop the skills businesses demand in a modern economy.

(2) Create career paths and job opportunities for all working-age Illinoisans, from the least skilled and most disadvantaged to middle income workers whose skills have become obsolete.

(3) Invest resources in the capital and human infrastructure needed to attract and retain "high road" employers that provide quality jobs, wages, and benefits.

(4) Encourage entrepreneurship, small business growth, technology transfers from Illinois' higher education system, and other economic/workforce development innovation in all communities across Illinois to grow competitive State businesses.

(5) Support economic and workforce development that is environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.