Millions more spent on Pritzker’s clean energy agenda

(The Center Square) – The state of Illinois is pumping millions of tax dollars more to develop a clean energy jobs program in underserved neighborhoods.

The Clean and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which was signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker three years ago, funds programs that create clean energy jobs statewide.

Pritzker said the Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program prioritizes underrepresented populations and Illinoisans living in communities that have historically faced economic and environmental barriers.

“Climate Works will provide participants the direct hands-on support and resources that they need to build a career in the clean energy trade while further bolstering our world class workforce development infrastructure,” said Pritzker.

The nonprofits HIRE360 and the 548 Foundation will receive nearly $14 million in taxpayer funding to expand its clean energy careers training program to reach 1,000 graduates in the next 36 months and to place grads into trade programs.

Jay Rowell, executive director of HIRE360, expects the funding will allow the organization to expand its workforce development program to cover all 102 of Illinois’ counties.

“It will allow us to provide the specialized training that individuals need to enter the green trades and build sustainable careers,” said Rowell. “Jobs in clean energy are the future for our state.”

As outlined in statute, the pre-apprenticeship program consists of three regional centers serving the North and Chicago metropolitan area, Central Illinois and Southern Illinois.

While state officials note that people of color, women and other populations have historically been significantly underrepresented in apprenticeship programs, a new study says some may be left behind.

The study, published in Political Geography by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, suggests the state, in attempting to redress historical wrongs, used blinders to define equity in CEJA, which led to perceived injustices for downstate rural, often white communities.

CEJA calls for 100% clean energy in Illinois by 2050.