ROCKFORD– State Representative Joe Sosnowski (R-Rockford) passed legislation on concurrence from the Senate today to allow for the creation of adult learning education centers to issue high school diplomas in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the bill. The bill, House Bill 2527, is important because it allows adults who have “aged out” (21 or older) of being able to obtain a high school diploma from a high school to obtain an actual diploma, not a GED.
“This provides a new opportunity to combat low educational attainment,” said Rep. Sosnowski. “I am pleased that the Senate has alleviated any concerns with funding for this legislation and it is on its way to becoming law.”
Furthermore, this bill does not appropriate any tax dollars from the state. Funds for these centers are through private donations or other financial resources. No state funding for current programs will be diverted to this new effort.
“This legislation will provide greater opportunities for residents of all ages to pursue not only their high school diploma, but additional college coursework and credentials that will positively change their employment and economic outlook. We are grateful to Representative Sosnowski and all our local elected officials for their vision and leadership in this endeavor and look forward to the next step,” said Courtney Geiger, Mission Services Director for Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois.