SR0299 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0299 LRB096 12735 GRL 26457 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The manufacturing sector is a backbone of the Illinois economy and employs more than 620,000 Illinois workers directly, while contributing the single largest share (13 percent) of the State's Gross Domestic Product; and

WHEREAS, Illinois manufacturers have played a major role in nearly every historic event, from the advent of the assembly line to the Industrial Revolution; and

WHEREAS, Illinois' community college system has 48 community colleges, serving nearly one million people across the State with a comprehensive mission; and

WHEREAS, Community colleges serve 64 percent of people receiving a post-secondary education, while emphasizing open enrollment and serve individuals with all types of backgrounds and skills; and

WHEREAS, Manufacturers and community colleges work together on a regular basis to ensure that Illinois residents have the necessary skills and training to compete in today's global economy; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative to provide adequate job training funding for manufacturing curricula and workforce development programs like the Manufacturing Skills Standard Council and other training programs to help unemployed workers, current employees, and students; and

WHEREAS, It is essential that job training programs be provided to community colleges in all areas of the State, including those in areas that have been harmed by the economic downturn; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we strongly urge Governor Pat Quinn to support the provision of $10 million in funding for community colleges to invest in manufacturing workforce development and job training so that employers can be assured of an adequate supply of qualified workers and Illinois residents can be prepared for good paying jobs in today's high performance manufacturing sector; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Governor Pat Quinn.