SR0774 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0774 LRB097 21536 KXB 69665 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Our nation is continuing to experience high unemployment rates and a national economic recession that directly affects our ability to compete in a global job market; and

WHEREAS, The employment of future workers and the re-employment of displaced workers are dependent upon the availability of training programs to provide individuals with the skills needed in critical industries; and

WHEREAS, High school and college career and occupational education is enhanced when local businesses in key industries provide input on curricula and offer work-based learning opportunities in occupations with family-sustaining careers; and

WHEREAS, Innovation and the spread of good management practices are accelerated when businesses work together to identify and meet their common training and skill needs; and

WHEREAS, Workers' ability to succeed in today's knowledge-based, global economy is enhanced when employers invest in their skills and when businesses develop skill certifications recognized industry wide and articulated with college credit; and

WHEREAS, The ability of low-income workers to have a real chance at pathways out of poverty requires training providers and other service providers to have first-hand knowledge of employers' skill needs and how workers can be supported to meet those standards; and

WHEREAS, Local Workforce Investment Boards are, by statute, composed primarily of individuals from the private sector; as such, they are the appropriate vehicle to identify the needs and opportunities within their local community and work with education providers to address those needs through the local education system, including community colleges, not-for-profit organizations, and proprietary schools; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting to promote the continuation and role of local Workforce Investment Boards as the most effective vehicle available to address the needs of businesses and individuals through the establishment of local workforce development programs and services; and

WHEREAS, The week of August 26 through September 1, 2012 will be an opportunity to highlight innovative approaches offered through local Workforce Investment Boards to build the State of Illinois' workforce; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the week of August 26 through September 1, 2012, as "Workforce Development Week" in the State of Illinois and encourage individuals, businesses, and governmental organizations in the State of Illinois to visit and promote the programs and services offered through local Workforce Investment Boards.