Engineers are doing their part with Rebuild Illinois project
In a recent Sun-Times op-ed, the Teamsters Local 916 president shared his view on delays within the Illinois Department of Transportation in hiring for projects through the Rebuild Illinois program.
While I don’t disagree with his assertion the state faces workforce and hiring challenges, his story certainly missed the mark when blaming Illinois’ workforce. The simple truth is Illinois’ engineers are getting the job done.
The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois represents more than 11,000 engineers, architects, land surveyors and other specialists. A majority of ACEC-IL’s members are small businesses — many women and minority-owned.
These engineers are at the forefront of innovative, efficient ways to modernize Illinois’ infrastructure — on time and on budget. Engineering firms work with state and local agencies to develop and deliver nationally recognized projects that make a difference in the daily lives of Illinoisans.
Illinois taxpayers benefit from the collaborative relationship between IDOT and consulting firms. Not only are roads and bridges repaired, but innovative methods and the latest technology are used to save time and taxpayer dollars.
The results speak for themselves. Working together on Rebuild Illinois, IDOT and ACEC IL engineers have delivered over 6,000 miles of road improvements, 629 bridges repaired and 895 overall safety improvements.
Overall, from 2019 to 2023, IDOT has seen an 83% increase in construction contracts awarded — creating thousands of new engineering and union construction jobs.
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ACEC-IL recognizes that a strong IDOT is critical to Illinois’ success, and that’s the reason we’ve worked with policy makers to seek, attract and retain the next generation of engineering and public works professionals.
We have advocated legislatively for competitive pay for IDOT staff and hiring incentives to provide an edge in searching for skilled engineers. To create a future workforce for IDOT, ACEC IL is spearheading a STEM initiative called "E-Squared" to promote engineering in Illinois schools.
Illinoisans deserve collaboration among agencies, union workforce and engineering firms to find solutions to shared challenges. To ensure the success and maintenance of Illinois’ roadways and public infrastructure, we must work together to further strengthen IDOT, reduce inefficiency, share innovative ideas for recruitment and ensure competitive pay for IDOT engineers.
The promise of Rebuild Illinois can only be realized when we all work together.
Kevin Artl, president and CEO, American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois
Socialization comes in different forms
Social gathering seems to be an endangered species in America. Consider that physical ties have been loosening steadily for 80 years, according to Census Bureau data.
Nearly 8% of households were singly occupied in 1940 versus the roughly 28% in 2020, a notable decline overall. Online activity, ostensibly a solo pursuit, also contributes to less socialization with family, friends and co-workers.
Unsurprisingly, seniors like me fare the worst overall, with solitary hours far exceeding those with company.
While all of this is true, it's also been argued that closeness is a mental as well as physical condition. Researchers have recently found that casual contact, even on the internet, can bolster personal well-being. Many Facebook users will agree, sometimes forming bonds online to rival most face-to-face associations.
We should keep all of this in mind as we prepare for the perennial heaviest travel days that come with Thanksgiving. Together with Christmas traffic, our willingness to make a trip shows distance does not weaken bonds.
My own plan on Thursday is to circulate, incorporating both traditional and modern elements. I'll meet neighbors at the retirement home and friends on Facebook, and later with homemade cranberry bread and stuffing head for the home of even dearer friends. There I'll savor again our matching world views.
Pleasantly engaged in spreading myself around, I feel secure. And I wish for everybody the sense of connection that makes every Thanksgiving a truly happy one.
Tom Gregg, Niles
Bible shouldn’t be forced upon children
Texas’ education board, pushed by an initiative led by the GOP, voted last week to allow Bible-infused teachings in Texas schools for public elementary school children.
At present, they are saying the curriculum is voluntary. The Constitution states that freedom of religion is our rule of law. By promoting this initiative the GOP is defying the Constitution and forcing one religion above all others to young children.
Ironically, if the Democratic Party were to promote such a move, the GOP would be up in arms. They would call it "grooming."
John Farrell, DeKalb
Harbaugh wouldn’t bear Chicago
Sports columnist Rick Morrissey must be dreaming. Jim Harbaugh coaching the Bears? Never.
Harbaugh played here for seven seasons. He knows the McCaskeys. Harbaugh knows the tight pockets of the McCaskeys. Keep dreaming, Rick. It is all you can do.
Tom Petraitis, Homer Glen
Culprits won’t be hard to find with GOP in charge
With all three branches of government in Republican hands, there will be no one else to blame for everything that goes sideways in the next four years.
Regina Gomory, Crystal Lake