Sangamon Sun

State Representative Wayne Rosenthal addressed the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA) during their annual 'Lobby Day' in Springfield. As a member of the House Higher Education Committee and a trustee for Lincoln Land Community College, Rosenthal emphasized the importance of trustees engaging with legislators about legislation affecting community colleges.

Rosenthal highlighted Senate Bill 2482 and House Bill 3717 as key pieces of legislation impacting these institutions. He underscored the value of face-to-face meetings to discuss how such legislation could positively influence most colleges in Illinois. Rosenthal is co-sponsoring House Bill 3717, which would allow community colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees alongside associate degrees and certifications in specific fields.

"Community colleges in Illinois are a tremendous pathway for people to learn skills that will help them pursue a career in a field that they enjoy and can make a good living," stated Rosenthal. "My legislation is not a mandate but would enable community colleges, if they so choose, to offer baccalaureate degrees in high-demand fields. The goal is to expand access to affordable higher education options for working adults and help address our state’s workforce needs."