BELLEVILLE, IL – On October 21, 2024, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) hosted two roundtable discussions on workforce development, engaging with students, workers, employers, and educational and labor leaders from Southern Illinois.
These discussions were held at the construction management educational facility of John A. Logan College in Cartersville and at the Advanced Manufacturing Academy of Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville. The primary focus was on federal career and technical education (CTE) funding and strategies to effectively leverage it for the continued growth of Illinois’s economy, while equipping residents with the necessary tools for success.
“The journey to a successful career and the Middle Class shouldn’t hinge on a four-year degree,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said in a statement. “High-quality career and technical education (CTE) programs at schools like John A. Logan College and Southwestern Illinois College are the key to the Middle Class for so many Illinoisans. By convening students, employers, and local labor and education leaders for discussions like these, we will ensure federal CTE funding continues to expand critical programs, strengthen our workforce, and bolster our state’s economy.”
As a prominent advocate for CTE in Congress, Congressman Krishnamoorthi authored and passed the bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which boosted CTE program funding by $1.3 billion annually. He also introduced the Opportunity to Compete Act to prevent computer hiring systems from automatically screening out candidates who lack a four-year degree but possess relevant work experience.
Congressman Krishnamoorthi Receives the 2024 Ruth Rothstein Award for Excellence, Celebrating His Contributions to Health Care Throughout Cook County
On October 21, 2024, Congressman Krishnamoorthi received the 2024 Ruth Rothstein Award for Excellence at the Cook County Health Foundation’s annual gala. Presented by Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, the award, named after the former chief of the Cook County Department of Public Health, recognizes exceptional leadership and service in healthcare.
“All Illinois elected officials should try and follow in Ruth Rothstein’s footsteps by making health care more accessible and affordable for everyone,” Congressman Krishnamoorthi said. “From taking on Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) to lower drug prices nationally to securing $2 million for Cook County Public Health to build an urgent care facility in Arlington Heights, I am committed to doing just that, using my position in Congress to create positive health care change for Illinoisans. It is an honor to receive an award that bears Ruth’s name, and I look forward to continuing my work with the Cook County Health Foundation and President Toni Preckwinkle to fully realize Ruth’s vision of a healthier Cook County for all its residents.”
A strong advocate for expanded healthcare access, Congressman Krishnamoorthi supports legislative measures aimed at restoring reproductive rights lost after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. He has also secured $2 million in federal funding for a new urgent care facility in Arlington Heights, highlighting his commitment to local healthcare initiatives in Cook County.
