Bill Text: IL HJR0035 | 2015-2016 | 99th General Assembly | Introduced

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Bill Title: Affirms that community colleges play a dynamic and essential role in driving the economy and workforce of the State.

Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill

Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2015-10-10 - Pursuant to Senate Rule 3-9(b) / Referred to Assignments [HJR0035 Detail]

Download: Illinois-2015-HJR0035-Introduced.html

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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

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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

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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.