SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — A new state bill could soon expand job opportunities for young workers throughout Illinois.
The measure would allow 14 and 15-year-olds to work summer jobs for Illinois park districts and recreational departments, as long as an 18-year-old is on-site. This means minors could have jobs like lifeguarding or officiating sports.
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Senator Paul Faraci advanced the legislation through the state Senate on Monday. The changes are meant to address concerns from park districts about staff shortages.
“If you have that opportunity and you’re interested in understanding what it is to have a job, show up on time, work with your supervisor, work with coworkers, there’s a real value in that,” Faraci said. “There’s a real-life lesson opportunity for our younger folks to learn those skills and it’s critically important moving forward to do that.”
The bill now heads to the House for approval. Faraci said he’d like to see it passed before the summer.