Congressman Phil Hare (D-IL), a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, today voted for the Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act which included $900,000 for health care and education programs in the 17th District.

“Funding for health care and education is an investment, not an expenditure,” Hare said. “Whether it’s training our students to compete in a new clean energy economy or ensuring rural residents have access to their health care providers, these projects will go a long way toward improving the lives of my constituents.”

The following projects were included in the bill at the request of Hare.

Illinois Community College Trustee Association, Springfield, IL, $600,000
The Illinois Community College Sustainability Network (ICCSN) is a coalition of community colleges in Illinois whose mission is to strengthen capacity to promote and provide energy education and sustainable practices across the state. Funds would be used to help these colleges continue their work and expand the network to eventually include all community colleges in Illinois. Community colleges are the trusted local resource for workforce development, continuing education, and business training. For the new needs of this century, community colleges are ideally suited for the challenge of spreading sustainable technology and energy practices.  With a mission that emphasizes community service combined with stable educational infrastructures, the ICCSN can institutionalize long-term projects related to the rapidly emerging renewable energy economy in Illinois and nationwide.

Richland Community College, Decatur, IL, $200,000
These funds would be used to enhance Richland’s Bioenergy Education and Training Program.  It is estimated that continued growth in biofuels and other renewable technologies will put Illinois in the top tier of states that benefit from a renewable energy future. This program will train students to work in the emerging bioenergy industry, thereby having an immediate economic impact through: a) the creation of near and long-term jobs; b) the formation of a national strategic facility infrastructure; and c) the transfer of technology and knowledge via proven curricula and occupational focus. Note: Hare and Rep Tim Johnson (R-Urbana) secured $312,000 for this program in Fiscal Year 2008.

Warren Achievement Center, Inc., Monmouth, IL, $100,000
These funds would be used for a transportation program to improve access to health services for rural counties in Illinois.  Studies have determined that limited transportation options significantly contribute to the unmet health care needs of rural areas.  Inline with these findings, the Warren Achievement Center—a nonprofit organization that provides services to people with developmental disabilities—believes that the purchase of two small vans and one year of operating support would provide access to vital health care services and improve health outcomes for Henderson, Mercer and Warren counties.