Governor's Proposal To Promote Adult Education and Literacy Approved By General Assembly

SPRINGFIELD - Governor George H. Ryan today applauded members of the General Assembly for overwhelmingly passing his proposal to promote adult education and literacy by consolidating related state programs under the Illinois Community College Board.

In the Governor's state of the state address earlier this year, he asked the members of the General Assembly to approve the transfer of the state's adult education and literacy programs from the Illinois State Board of Education to the Illinois Community College Board. Today, the Illinois State Senate joined the House of Representatives in passing House Bill 4266 and fulfilling the Governor's request.

"I want to thank the members of this General Assembly for recognizing the need for this legislation," Ryan said. "Since Illinois community colleges already provide approximately 70 percent of the adult education and literacy programs offered in the state, this transfer will eliminate duplication of administration and reporting between the State Board of Education and the Community College Board. This is an easy and cost-effective way to improve and eventually expand the state's adult education programs."

House Bill 4266 shifts the administration of the adult education and the adult literacy programs from ISBE to ICCB. The transfer will not reduce the size of the program and no loss of jobs will occur. The legislation addresses administration at the state level and does not effect the administration of local programs or the method of distributing funds.

"Adult education and literacy is a top priority for the Illinois Community College Board," Ryan added. "With ICCB providing the administration, the State of Illinois will be better positioned to meet the adult education and literacy needs of individuals and employers.

"I have every confidence in ICCB Chairman Ed Duffy and ICCB President and CEO Joe Cipfl and their abilities to effectively oversee and expand this state's adult education and literacy programs."

Earlier this year, the Illinois Board of Higher Education, the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Community College Board all voted to approve the transfer. The full transfer is expected to be complete by July 1, 2001.

"The ICCB is committed to expanding adult education and literacy programs to meet Illinois' growing need for a skilled workforce and a high quality of life for Illinois individuals and families," said ICCB President and CEO Joe Cipfl.

House Bill 4266 passed the Senate on a 53-2 vote, while the Illinois House of Representatives passed the measure last month by a 83-31-1 margin.

Sponsors of the legislation include ;Senators Dan Cronin (R-Elmhurst), Todd Sieben (R-Geneseo), Kathleen Parker (R-Northbrook), Dick Klemm (R-Crystal Lake) and Robert Molaro (D-Chicago), and Representatives Tom Ryder (R-Jerseyville), Judy Erwin (D-Chicago), Bill Black (R-Danville) and Larry Woolard (D-Carterville).