SR0299

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SENATE RESOLUTION


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

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

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

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

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

 
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    WHEREAS, It is imperative to provide adequate job training 
 


 






SR0299
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LRB096 12735 GRL 26457 r




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funding for manufacturing curricula and workforce development 
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programs like the Manufacturing Skills Standard Council and 
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other training programs to help unemployed workers, current 
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employees, and students; and

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

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

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