IL HJR0035

Illinois has committed to achieving 60% of adults with a college degree or marketable certificate by 2025, with the Illinois Community College System targeting an additional 22,000 degrees by that year.

Community colleges serve 63.9% of Illinois higher education students and are the primary providers for at-risk, minority, low-income, and underrepresented populations.

Illinois community college tuition and fees increased 52% from 2004 to 2010 and have risen an additional 32% since 2008, averaging 5.2% higher than the national average as of fiscal year 2012.

Illinois community college graduates generated $4.0 billion in state income tax revenue and $14.2 billion in federal income tax revenue between 2003 and 2012.

The General Assembly affirms community colleges' essential role in driving Illinois' economy and workforce, and commits to cooperating with the Governor's office to address community college affordability with special consideration for nontraditional students.