Illinois Statutes Chapter 5. General Provisions § 382/3-10. Legislative intent and policy

§ 3-10. Legislative intent and policy. The General Assembly finds that State government delivers a myriad of services that are necessary for the health, welfare, safety, and quality of life of all Illinois residents. Because State services are used by many Illinois citizens who cannot speak the English language fluently, there is a need for bilingual State employees. The number of workers in State government who speak a language other than English is inadequate, leaving those workers who do speak another language overworked and incapable of meeting the rising demand for their services.

In response to this crisis, it is the intent of the General Assembly in FY 2008 to ensure the hiring and retention of additional bilingual frontline staff in State agencies where public services are most used. These additions take into account our State's current revenue crisis, and are a first step. Raising bilingual staffing to meet higher national standards to fully ensure the effective delivery of essential services is the long-term goal of the General Assembly.