IL HR0719

Encourages companies to establish pre-training and pre-hiring placement centers in underresourced and underserved communities to increase economic opportunity and workforce development.

Directs the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to explore creating a pilot program or grant program to support these training and placement centers.

Highlights the Employer Training Investment Program (ETIP), which helps Illinois workers upgrade skills and enables companies to remain competitive and introduce new technologies.

References the EPIC program, a pilot initiative providing career pathway services to SNAP recipients to increase employment and reduce dependency on public assistance benefits.

Identifies investment in transportation, broadband, small business development, and regional economic hubs as key components of the Governor's economic plan for Illinois.