Metro East Sun

Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) has expressed her support for the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) and its 2024 legislative agenda, which aims to strengthen the state’s manufacturing ecosystem and support students and families entering the workforce. Rep. Elik emphasized the need to build career pathways for students and remove barriers for parents and students to enter the workforce.

One of the measures supported by Rep. Elik is a bipartisan bill (HB 3307) that would allow students to take two years of career training education instead of two years of foreign language study. This measure aims to provide more practical skills to students that align with the needs of the manufacturing industry.

Additionally, Rep. Elik is sponsoring a pilot program (HB 4670) that would allow 10 manufacturers to open on-site childcare centers at no cost to their employees. This program aims to address the lack of available childcare, which is seen as a hindrance to attracting and retaining workers, especially women, in the manufacturing industry. Rep. Elik believes that this pilot program will not only benefit employees but also improve manufacturing in Illinois for years to come.

Manufacturing is a vital industry in Illinois, contributing significantly to the state's economy and job market. It supports nearly a third of all jobs in the state and contributes over $580 billion to the economy annually. To ensure continued growth, it is essential to adopt policies that make it easier for manufacturers to hire and retain qualified workers and encourage investment in new technologies.

To advance these goals, the IMA has formed a bipartisan and bicameral Illinois Manufacturing Caucus, in which Rep. Elik serves as co-chair. This caucus will focus on addressing issues that impact the manufacturing industry and working collaboratively with lawmakers to support the sector's growth.

Mark Denzler, President & CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, emphasized the importance of harnessing talent and embracing technology to solve pressing challenges. He highlighted the need for collaboration between manufacturers and lawmakers to incentivize manufacturers to stay in Illinois.

Nationally, there is a significant shortage of skilled workers in the manufacturing industry, with 625,000 open jobs, including tens of thousands in Illinois. The IMA is dedicated to working with employers, educators, and lawmakers to enact policies that attract, retain, and grow a skilled workforce. This includes proposals such as a Student Loan Employer Tax Credit, a Manufacturing Promise Scholarship Program, and updated high school graduation requirements that prioritize Career and Technical Education courses.

Sarah Hartwick, Vice President of Education & Workforce Policy and Executive Director of the IMA’s Education Foundation, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to address workforce challenges. She highlighted the need to support students throughout their educational journey and remove barriers, such as the lack of childcare, that prevent individuals from entering the manufacturing workforce.

The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is the oldest and largest state manufacturing trade association in the United States, representing nearly 4,000 companies and facilities. It is dedicated to advocating for and strengthening the manufacturing sector in Illinois.

In conclusion, Rep. Amy Elik's support for the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and its legislative agenda demonstrates her commitment to strengthening the state's manufacturing ecosystem and supporting students and families entering the workforce. Her sponsorship of measures such as career training education and on-site childcare centers highlights her dedication to removing barriers and creating opportunities for individuals in the manufacturing industry. With the collaboration between manufacturers, educators, and lawmakers, Illinois can continue to thrive as a hub for manufacturing and innovation.