IL HR0161

Women comprise only 4.4% of construction trade apprentices nationally, with women of color representing even smaller percentages (Hispanic women 0.9%, Black women 0.5%, Asian women 0.1%, American Indian/Alaskan Native women 0.1% as of 2023)

Median annual wages for Illinois construction workers reached $66,670 in 2023, and women hold 64% of student loan debt, making apprenticeships a valuable alternative career pathway

Illinois House affirms commitment to equal employment opportunity and economic equity for women in construction trades, emphasizing that publicly-funded project workforces should reflect the state's diversity

Resolution criticizes federal Executive Orders as impeding workforce diversity efforts and limiting the U.S. Department of Labor, NLRB, and EEOC's ability to protect workers' rights

Urges state contractors to adopt strong anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies, and calls for use of data reporting, contract language, bid incentives, and project labor agreements to ensure compliance