Avelar Clears Bill Expanding Workforce OpportunityThrough Both Chambers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. —  Working to improve workforce opportunities for those without highschool diplomas, state Rep Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, passed a bicameral measure that fills critical job shortages while prioritizing work for those without traditional highschool or college credentials. 

“This bill will help smaller villages and towns, especially in rural and underserved areas, fill critical water workforce gaps,” said Avelar. “By making these stable, well-paying careers more accessible to individuals who didn’t go down a ‘traditional’ career path, we're expanding economic opportunities while ensuring enough hands are on deck to fill these critical positions that provide clean water for communities to use and enjoy.” 

Avelar’s House Bill 1699 establishes a program within the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to train individuals as wastewater operators and water supply operators. The program will prioritize applicants who did not receive a high school diploma, thus expanding workforce opportunities for Illinoisans all while combating a shortage of skilled water and wastewater operators in this area. 

“We’re protecting not only our communities’ access to drinking water and wastewater utilities but we’re opening up doors for those not considered for important positions like these in the past, ultimately hitting two birds with one stone,” said Avelar. “I’m thrilled to receive the Senate’s support for this measure.”

House Bill 1699 passed out of the Senate chamber with bipartisan support Wednesday, and now heads to the governor’s desk for consideration. 

 ###