SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Emil Jones III is the sponsor of a measure that would increase access to apprenticeship programs in the construction industry for African-Americans.

Jones’s legislation creates the Bureau on Apprenticeship Programs within the Illinois Department of Labor and creates an advisory board of 12 legislators (three from each caucus, appointed by the caucus leader). The goal of the commission is to increase minority participation in apprenticeship programs.

“Like in many other areas of society, minorities are underrepresented in apprenticeship programs,” Jones (D-Chicago) said. “Apprenticeships often provide a spring broad to good jobs, and we must ensure everyone has equal access to those opportunities.”

Illinois’ workforce stands at about 6 million, and there are about 16,000 active apprenticeships in the 13 basic crafts in the state's 102 counties.

The Senate approved Senate Bill 534. The bill moves to the House for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – A parent or guardian would be required to be on charter school boards of directors under an initiative from State Senator Emil Jones III (D-Chicago).

“Parents have the strongest interest in a school doing well because they have a child attending there,” Jones said. “They wouldn’t be using the position as a springboard for higher office.”

Currently, charter schools are administered and governed by their boards of directors or other governing bodies in the manner provided in their charters.

Also under the legislation, every voting member of a charter school’s board or governing body must complete a minimum of four hours of professional development leadership training.

“Parents will be getting training to make certain they are familiar with the roles and responsibilities of being on the school board,” Jones said. “Overall, parents will ensure the students’ interests are the top priority.”

House Bill 3659 passed the Senate Education Committee and is scheduled to go to the Senate floor for further debate.