U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) discussed his Opportunity KNOCKS Act legislation this afternoon at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Davis spoke at The NCERC at SIUE: Advancing Biofuels Research. Center Director John Caupert and Doug Bauer, vice president of Economic Development and Innovative Workforce Solutions at Richland Community College in Decatur, joined Davis at the podium.
“In today’s economy, an increasing number of jobs require some form of higher education, from technical certificates to college degrees,” said Davis. “Unfortunately due to an overly complicated Workforce Investment Act system and an outdated unemployment insurance system, many Americans are faced with choosing between keeping their unemployment benefits and seeking additional training needed to find a job.
“The goal of this legislation is not to expand unemployment. Instead it would allow people to obtain new skills and help bridge the gap between what employees have and what employers need.”
H.R. 1530, the Opportunity KNOCKS Act, introduced by Davis and U.S. Reps. Ami Bera (D-Calif.) and Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.), broadens the definition of “approved training” and makes certain that workers who are seeking an industry recognized certificate, an apprenticeship or an associate or baccalaureate degree will not be at risk of losing their unemployment benefits.
This legislation was drafted, in part, due to the real-life examples that Caupert provided Davis on the failures and short-comings of the current WIA. Davis has appointed Caupert to serve on the Congressman’s Agriculture Advisory Council. Caupert will represent research, commercialization and educational efforts in biofuels development.
“Investment in education and workforce training is critically important to ensure a competent and qualified workforce for tomorrow’s bioeconomy,” Caupert said. “The Bio Economic Research Associates estimate that by 2016 an additional 380,000 new jobs could be created in rural America from the biofuels industry alone.
“By 2022, they estimate more than 800,000 new jobs could be created. Since January 2007, the NCERC has trained more than 600 unemployed or underemployed individuals and provided them the skills necessary to succeed in the new bioeconomy.
“So, who are the people in these new jobs? The majority of folks employed in the biofuels industry are men and women from America’s heartland! They understand the value system of rural America. They understand the importance of sacrifice and giving something back. They understand the importance of preserving a way of life for future generations.
“I pledge my support for the ‘Opportunity KNOCKS’ legislation, and I encourage the United States Congress to pledge their support as well!”
Caupert is fresh from participating in the Senate Democratic Rural Summit in Washington, D.C. on April 25. As a result of Caupert’s contributions to strengthening rural America, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) nominated him to represent Illinois at the Summit. The half-day session focused on revitalizing rural America through economic development and job creation. It also served as an opportunity to celebrate the innovations of rural Americans and share best practices used to strengthen communities.