SR0487 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0487 LRB093 21695 KEF 49411 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, America's economy is in the midst of change and redirection; and

WHEREAS, The skills and knowledge of Illinois' workforce are one of the State's most valuable resources; and

WHEREAS, Illinois must meet the ever-increasing demand for a competitive and productive workforce; and

WHEREAS, Illinois' economic prosperity and growth are critically linked to the performance of its workforce; and

WHEREAS, The availability of a skilled workforce will increasingly influence corporate expansion and relocation; and

WHEREAS, Illinois' local governments, its counties and municipalities, are the primary delivery system for job training, job placement, and workforce preparation services for the citizens and businesses of our State; and

WHEREAS, A statewide workforce summit meeting of chief local elected officials, hosted by Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, culminated in the Illinois Workforce Resolution, signed by chief local elected officials representing the 26 Local Workforce Investment Areas that blanket Illinois; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Workforce Resolution emphasizes the critical importance of preserving local decision-making in workforce development programs and these principles were incorporated by Congress into the federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that the following core principles should be maintained in the upcoming reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act and implemented by State departments and agencies in the creation and operation of workforce development programs, whether through legislation or regulatory and administrative modifications; and be it further

RESOLVED, That America's workforce development system must continue to recognize the value of local decision-making, and that workforce development activities in Illinois recognize the unique character of each of the State's 26 Local Workforce Investment Areas, and fully support the authority and accountability of chief local elected officials for the direction and oversight of workforce programs in their jurisdictions; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the system should offer comprehensive services, universal access, and life-long learning possibilities for both employers and individuals; and that localities must have the flexibility and freedom to integrate programs and tailor services to meet these needs; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the public/private partnership concept that has worked so effectively under the guidance of chief local elected officials, including business, education and civic leaders, should continue as the cornerstone of the workforce preparation system, to meet the challenge of creating job opportunities for every Illinois resident; and be it further

RESOLVED, That needs-based funding should be maintained in allocating Federal and State financial resources to localities for workforce development, taking into account the unemployed, underemployed, dislocated workers and at-risk youth; and be it further

RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be delivered to the President Pro Tempore and Minority Leader of the United States Senate, to the Speaker of the House and Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, to each member of the Illinois Congressional' Delegation, and to Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.