SPRINGFIELD – Governor Rauner signed legislation this afternoon sponsored by Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) to modernize the organization of Adult Education under Area Planning Councils, an effort that brings Illinois into compliance with the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
“This legislation enhances the delivery of adult education programs across the state and reduces the duplication of instructional services by aligning programs more closely with the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act,” said Dr. Karen Hunter Anderson, executive director of the Illinois Community College Board, following the House passage of Rep. Hammond’s legislation in April. The WIOA was signed into law federally in 2014 with the goal of helping job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the job market and match employers with the skilled workers they need to complete in the global economy. The Illinois Community College Board supported Rep. Hammond’s legislation (House Bill 5894) to update state statutes to ensure Area Planning Councils are able to coordinate adult education services for individuals who are (A) 16 years of age or older (B) who are not enrolled in secondary school under state law and (C) who lack sufficient mastery of basic education skills to enable the individual to function effectively in society; do not have a secondary school diploma or its equivalent; or are unable to speak, read, or write the English language. The legislation also modernizes statutes permitting large community college districts to form smaller sub-areas within a larger Area Planning Council.
“I am pleased that the Governor has signed this legislation I sponsored on behalf of community colleges throughout Illinois, who are working hard to implement adult education programs that align well with federal workforce preparation guidelines and better connect job seekers with employers,” said Rep. Norine Hammond.
House Bill 5894 unanimously passed the Illinois House and Senate this spring and was signed into law by Governor Rauner on Wednesday, July 28th.
Hammond encouraged residents of the 93rd district to contact her with questions or concerns on this or any other state issue. Hammond’s Macomb district office can be contacted at (309) 836-2707 and she can be reached via e-mail at rephammond@macomb.com. Constituents can also visit her legislative website at www.norinehammond.org to sign up for her electronic newsletter.
Hammond represents all or part of Brown, Cass, and Fulton, Knox, Mason, McDonough, Schuyler and Warren counties.
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