SPRINGFIELD – To help fill vacant state job positions, State Senator Steve Stadelman passed a measure out of the Senate to diversify the state workforce and improve hiring outcomes that would open the door for more state job positions for people across Illinois.

“There are many people who have relevant work experience but lack a college degree, eliminating their eligibility from almost all state government jobs,” said Stadelman (D-Rockford). “If a degree is the only qualification they don’t meet, we are turning away talent that will still be able to get the jobs filled and done right.” 

Senate Bill 1884 would allow relevant work experience – in lieu of a bachelor’s degree – to be considered when filling state job opportunities. Relevant work experience does not apply if the knowledge, skills or abilities required for the position for which an applicant is applying can only reasonably be obtained through a course of study in pursuit of a bachelor’s or other advanced degree.

The bill is also an effort to boost workforce equity by expanding access to good-paying jobs for working families and other communities who have been previously underrepresented in state government careers.

“State job openings will continue to sit unfilled if we do not take away educational barriers,” said Stadelman. “It’s time we take years of work experience and skillsets seriously so our residents have an opportunity at reliable jobs.”

Senate Bill 1884 passed the Senate April 4.