HJ0035 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0035 LRB099 08031 MST 28175 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has committed to achieving a goal of 60% of adults in Illinois having a college degree or marketable certificate by the year 2025; and

WHEREAS, In order to reach that goal, the Illinois Community College System has committed to producing an additional 3,003 degrees by 2020 and an additional 18,997 degrees by 2025, with a total of 22,000 additional degrees by 2025; and

WHEREAS, Community colleges are the primary provider of higher education in Illinois, as 63.9% of all students who are enrolled in an institution of higher education in Illinois attend a community college; and

WHEREAS, Community colleges are the primary providers of higher education for at-risk, minority, low-income, and underrepresented populations; and

WHEREAS, According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nontraditional students represent greater proportions of populations in need, including women and racial-ethnic minorities, compared to their traditional counterparts; and

WHEREAS, Illinois community colleges have become less affordable as tuition and fees increased 52% from 2004 to 2010 and have further increased over 32% since 2008; as of fiscal year 2012, tuition and fees average 5.2% higher than the national average; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Community College System Economic Impact Study report clearly demonstrates that Illinois community colleges add skills to the workforce and boost the competitiveness of Illinois businesses; and

WHEREAS, Illinois community colleges have strong partnerships with local employers, providing needed vocational training and education for current and prospective employees; and

WHEREAS, The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 provides requirements for even stronger collaboration and partnership between education and the workforce, with the involvement of the federal Departments of Education and Labor; and

WHEREAS, Illinois community college graduates contribute tremendously to their local communities, the State of Illinois, and the nation, generating $4.0 billion in State income tax revenue and $14.2 billion in federal income tax revenue between 2003 and 2012; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-NINTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we affirm that community colleges play a dynamic and essential role in driving the economy and workforce of the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That in order to stimulate economic growth, have an educated population, and better prepare students for their careers, the General Assembly of the State of Illinois welcomes cooperation from the Office of the Governor of Illinois and will endeavor to address the issue of community college affordability, with special consideration taken for nontraditional students.