During Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s first days in office, he signed a flurry of agenda-setting executive orders. While news coverage has focused on certain orders, we should not overlook an important step when he empowered the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to review its investments and strategize on how to better serve disenfranchised communities.
Although the national unemployment rate is down to 3.9 percent, and Illinois’ hovers slightly above it at 4.4 percent, this is no time to get complacent about the issue. There are communities across the state that still face double-digit rates of unemployment, which pose a major barrier to improving quality of life and economic development.
As the leader of a nonprofit focused on improving economic mobility for the unemployed and underemployed, I know well the importance of allocating limited resources. The state budget encompasses hundreds of initiatives, and it is invigorating to see DCEO, Illinois’ workforce and jobs prioritized. It is essential that we match these taxpayer dollars to employer demand and community need — and that nonprofits and the state prioritize measurable results.
Actions like this demonstrate that the administration stands behind the workforce sector and Illinois job seekers — ready to support new strategies to get everyone affected by unemployment into jobs.
Our state faces an array of pressing challenges, but ask the average Illinoisan what they care about most, and it’s a safe bet at the top of the list is “jobs.” Cheers to Governor Pritzker for starting off with his eye on the ball.
Marie Trzupek Lynch
President and CEO of Skills for Chicagoland’s Future
READ MORE: The State Journal Register
