HR0431 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0431 LRB099 12107 MST 34794 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Higher Education is the backbone of a productive community and promotes values that shape the future; a person's ability to obtain a degree from a higher education institution equips them with the tools to shape their own destiny; college should be universally accessible to all, regardless of finances, family situations, or socioeconomic barriers; and

WHEREAS, Universities with childcare centers enable students of all ages and backgrounds to obtain an education; and

WHEREAS, Balancing parenthood while striving for an advanced degree presents numerous challenges; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois State budget has previously put childcare services on the chopping block, creating further challenges for parents and students; and

WHEREAS, 26% of all college undergraduates are raising dependent children; and

WHEREAS, 47% of black women in college have children; and

WHEREAS, In 2012, the median earnings for full-time year-round working young adults ages 25 to 34 with a bachelor's degree was $46,900; and

WHEREAS, A 2.5% increase in distribution fees for craft beer breweries should be considered to fund childcare centers at State universities that receive a lower amount of State appropriations; and

WHEREAS, The funds generated from the 2.5% increase should be evenly allocated to Chicago State University, Northeastern Illinois University, and Governor's State University; and

WHEREAS, Funding childcare facilities means creating space for a center or expanding existing facilities, paying salaries of childcare teachers, and providing equipment needed to create a healthy environment for all children while their parents attend classes; and

WHEREAS, These monies would increase the graduation and retention rate for students who attend these institutions; and

WHEREAS, The funds generated from the 2.5% increase in distribution fees for craft beer breweries will remove a barrier that has hindered thousands; and

WHEREAS, By implementing this strategy, college students who are parents will be able to provide an improved quality of life for their children; and

WHEREAS, Funding childcare centers at State universities is an investment in the next generation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Governor and the 99th General Assembly to review the possibilities of increasing distribution fees by 2.5% on craft beer breweries solely to fund childcare services at State universities.