SPRINGFIELD: Budzinski Hosts Workforce Summit at Lincoln Land Community College

Oct 21, 2024
Press

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) hosted a workforce development summit at Lincoln Land Community College to discuss the importance of career and technical education (CTE) and local approaches to workforce development. State and local leaders with diverse backgrounds in education, business, government and organized labor all spoke on the panel, offering their insights on how to strengthen CTE in Illinois – from building pathways for high school students to union apprenticeships and innovative public sector programs. 

“A traditional four-year college is far from the only pathway to a good-paying, fulfilling career,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “Career and technical education empowers students with skills and knowledge to be successful in today’s economy, while connecting employers with the qualified workers they need in some of our nation’s fastest growing industries. I was thrilled to bring our community together for an important discussion on how we can invest in these programs and grow exposure among students and parents about their myriad benefits. From my bipartisan LEAP Act to my membership of the Career and Technical Education Caucus, I’m proud to be leading the charge in Washington to strengthen our workforce and create more opportunities for young people in Illinois and across the country.” 

Congresswoman Budzinski kicked off her first term in office by introducing the LEAP Act – bipartisan legislation to help fill the job skills gap by providing tax credits to small businesses that hire apprenticeship employees. Not only would this bill help to get job seekers ready for careers in growing industries, but it would also support local businesses by addressing the need for more qualified workers and easing the costs of training – challenges Congresswoman Budzinski hears about from employers across Central and Southern Illinois.

Congresswoman Budzinski also serves as a member of the Career and Technical Education Caucus, a bipartisan group of representatives committed to supporting and promoting CTE. 

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