SR1114 98TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1114 LRB098 21023 OMW 58720 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Recognizing that work remains to be done to aid the high number of unemployed and underemployed individuals, this State and the federal government have announced major initiatives to promote workforce development activities; and

WHEREAS, These activities are primarily aimed at helping individuals acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in the current competitive job market; and

WHEREAS, As part of these efforts, this State will be promoting a new initiative to increase the work readiness of individuals by obtaining a college degree or career certificate; and

WHEREAS, At the federal level, major efforts are being made to review the nation's workforce and training system to make it more job-driven, integrated, and effective; and

WHEREAS, A key aspect in State and federal efforts is the active involvement of the private business sector; and

WHEREAS, Workforce Investment Boards provide businesses with an important forum to inform training providers, including the public education system, community colleges, the State university system, and proprietary schools of the needs of the local business community; and

WHEREAS, Workforce Investment Boards were established by federal law to serve as a vital provider of information, programs, and services to individuals seeking employment, employers, and training providers; and

WHEREAS, Under the authority provided to Workforce Investment Boards, opportunities and funds are available for individuals to enroll in training programs and services at job centers throughout this State that give priority to the local business community's current and future needs; and

WHEREAS, It is fitting that the members of the Senate support the role that Workforce Investment Boards play in providing important programs and services that help strengthen local communities and, by extension, this State and the nation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-EIGHTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the week of August 25 through August 31, 2014 as "Workforce Development Week" in Illinois and encourage individuals, businesses, and governmental organizations to visit and promote the programs and services offered through local Workforce Investment Boards; and be it further

RESOLVED, That August 25 through August 31, 2014 will be an opportunity for Workforce Investment Boards to highlight and promote the many ways in which they are undertaking this important work; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be delivered to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.