SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, has introduced legislation to create the Clean Water Workforce Pipeline Program that would prepare and support individuals seeking a career in Illinois’ water infrastructure.
“Our state water system needs improvements, but we also need individuals who are properly trained to build and maintain that system,” said Slaughter. “By creating this program, we can begin modernizing our water systems to provide every Illinoisan with clean and safe water, and also create good paying jobs to benefit our community.”
Slaughter’s House Bill 3349 would create the Clean Water Workforce Pipeline grant program for job training and transitional aid for individuals learning how to maintain and interact with the water infrastructure system. The program would seek to create more than 2,500 jobs annually and provide job training, continuing education, job placement, and financial support to individuals seeking jobs in the water sector.
“Other cities have seen the devastating results of lead pipes and unclean water,” said Slaughter. “This legislation will prevent tragedies like we’ve seen in Flint, Michigan and provide the economic opportunities our community need.”
