IL HJR0082

Urges the Governor to approve $325 million in appropriations for the Urban Weatherization Initiative, a state-funded program administered by the Office of Urban Assistance in the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Initiative comprises three components: Weatherization Specialist Training Grant, Home Energy Auditor Training Grant, and Residential Weatherization Program designed to create jobs, improve energy efficiency, and reduce energy costs in disadvantaged communities.

2016 budget appropriations total $325 million, distributed as $75 million for cultural site programs, $60 million for vocational learning, $100 million for housing, $40 million for youth development programs, and $50 million for weatherization projects.

Program targets urban communities in Alexander, Kane, Lake, Macon, Peoria, St. Clair, Will, Cook, Kankakee, LaSalle, Madison, Rock Island, Stephenson, and Winnebago Counties.

Requests Governor consider these appropriations as a budget priority to support urban area growth and stability.