SPRINGFIELD -- A measure furthering State Senator Michael E. Hastings’ work to make Illinois a leader in preventing climate change is now law.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) championed Senate Bill 3866, which makes necessary improvements to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) implementation and administration of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act to help create a pipeline for Illinois residents to train and help Illinois residents pursue careers in clean energy construction and building trades.

“This new law sets up Illinois to tap into clean energy jobs,” Hastings said. “We are furthering the state’s mission to end climate change while embracing innovative technology to create good paying jobs in our own backyard.”

Senate Bill 3866 enable DCEO to award multi-year grants to Climate Works Hubs. It also requires hubs that receive funding to provide preapprentices with stipends no less than the minimum wage to ensure workers have the resources to support their families.

The Clean Jobs Workforce Network Program receives $21 million annually and consists of 13 geographically diverse hub sites that rely on community-based organizations to provide job training and a career pipeline for equity-focused areas.

This new program is projected to preserve nearly 28,000 direct and indirect jobs and $149 million in local economic impact.

“As businesses look to Illinois to set up shop, they can rest assure that our workers will be well trained and ready to hit the ground running,” Hastings said. “I am committed to looking for ways to modernize the state’s economy and securing good paying jobs for the people of the South Suburbs.”

Senate Bill 3866 passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support and goes into effect immediately.