Stadelman introduces bill to help fill state jobs by relaxing college requirements

In an attempt to help fill vacant state jobs, State Senator Steve Stadelman is working to diversify Illinois' labor pool, improve hiring outcomes and increase employment opportunities
Senate Bill 1884, introduced by Stadelman, would prohibit Illinois state agencies from requiring applicants to have a bachelor’s degree to be eligible for hire. The requirement does not apply if the knowledge, skills or abilities necessary for the position can reasonably be obtained only through a course of study resulting in a bachelor’s or other advanced degree.
“For many of these positions, a college degree isn't essential," Stadelman said. "This measure focuses on ensuring employees have the skills and experience a job demands, rather than demanding advanced degrees that end up becoming barriers."

Stadelman's bill is also an effort to boost workforce equity by expanding access to good-paying jobs for working families and people who have been previously underrepresented in state government careers. Sixteen other states have taken legislative or executive action to eliminate degree requirements for state jobs.
“Just because someone doesn’t have a college education doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be considered for state positions they otherwise qualify for,” he said. “This is a simple way we can fill open state positions and give many Illinoisans the chance to have a stable job.”

Stadelman calls No. 2 ranking proof Illinois is a 'top player' in business attraction

For the third year in a row, Illinois has been ranked No. 2 for corporate expansion and relocation by Site Selection magazine, a leading publication in corporate real estate and facility planning.
State Senator Steve Stadelman noted the designation comes after corporate expansions and relocations in 2024 surpassed 2023 by 20 percent and establishes Illinois as a “top player in providing a globally attractive business climate.”
Illinois saw 664 business expansion or relocation projects in 2024 -- up from 552 from 2023 — and also placed No. 2 in projects per capita. The largest expansions and relocations include companies involved in everything from quantum computing to manufacture of flexible packaging and the supply of landscape material.
Corporate analysts consider Site Selection’s yearly ranking as “the industry scoreboard.” To qualify, projects must meet one or more of these criteria: investment of $1 million or more, creation of 20 or more new jobs, or adding 20,000 square feet or more of new space.
Stadelman credited the selection to Illinois’ diverse, highly trained and talented workforce, its world-class infrastructure and a concerted effort to invest in site readiness.“This three-time distinction counters the misperceptoiin that Illinois is an unfriendly place to do business and that companies and jobs are fleeing our state,” he said. “Industry experts say the opposite is true.”

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State Senator Steve Stadelman
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 Wednesday at the Capitol was the Alzheimer’s Association’s Day of Action! I stand with my constituents affected by this disease in the fight to #EndAlz. Together, let’s advocate for more research, support and care for those impacted.