HB5181 - Aerospace Competitiveness Act

• Creates the Illinois Council on Aerospace within the Office of the Governor with 13 members representing public and private sectors, chaired by the Director of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

• Council's purposes include improving coordination of aerospace training, education, research, and development programs; enhancing the state's economic climate for aerospace; and ensuring Illinois remains competitive for aircraft design and manufacturing.

• Assigns lead responsibilities to public sector members: Community College Board coordinates training/apprenticeships; Board of Higher Education coordinates degree programs; University of Illinois and Illinois State University coordinate aerospace research and development; Commerce Department manages retention and growth of aerospace companies.

• Establishes the Illinois Aerospace Council Fund as a special fund in the state treasury to receive grants, donations, and discretionary funds for aerospace activities; requires annual reports to the Governor and General Assembly beginning January 1, 2011.

• Council must meet with the Governor at least twice annually; staffing provided by Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.