August 22, 2006 a policy update from CAEL
  The LiLA Link
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What Are LiLAs?

LiLAs are employer-matched educational savings accounts used to finance workers’ education and training. LiLAs are similar to 401(k) accounts in that individual contributions are matched by employer contributions, and then used to support a person’s learning at any stage of his or her adult life.

CAEL’s long-term goal is to make LiLAs universally available and to change public policy so that these accounts give a tax advantage to both employers and employees.

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As part of its mission to advance lifelong learning for working adults, The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) continues to promote Lifelong Learning Accounts (LiLAs). We’d like to take a moment to inform you of some exciting recent LiLA developments.


LiLA Legislation Hits Illinois

“LiLAs are a win-win-win for Illinois – for our workforce, for industry, and for our economy.” Illinois Senator Don Harmon

We have our first LiLA state legislation!

On July 3rd, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich signed into law SB2931, authorizing the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to establish an Illinois LiLA pilot in the healthcare sector.

The strong bipartisan support for the legislation reflects Illinois’ and the nation’s growing recognition of the need to invest in the education and training of our workforce.

Read more about this important LiLA legislation, including the bill text and voting record.


New Grant Funds Federal and State Expansion

A new grant from Lumina Foundation for Education provides support for CAEL’s LiLA policy activities for the next two and a half years. With this $850,000 investment, we will expand our work with state and federal policy leaders. We will also launch a public relations campaign and work more closely with community colleges to further LiLA awareness.

Our thanks to Lumina Foundation for Education for its support of this initiative.

Read more about the LiLA Lumina grant.


Maine Moves Forward with LiLA Pilot

Under the leadership of Governor John Baldacci, the Maine Department of Labor (DOL) has launched the first phase of a state based LiLA demonstration serving up to 350 workers.

The Maine DOL has been working closely with CAEL and the Maine LiLA Partnership, which also includes the Finance Authority of Maine, Women, Work & Community, the Compact for Higher Education, the State Treasurer’s office, as well as representatives from industry associations, local workforce boards, community-based organizations, the community college system, and the university system.

The program has received support from the Ford Foundation and the U.S. Department of Labor.

Read more about the Maine initiative.


LiLAs Spread to Other Regions

CAEL continues to advance LiLAs in other parts of the country. We are currently working with leaders in several other states to promote LiLAs, including:

  • California
  • Indiana
  • Kansas
  • Missouri
  • New York
  • Wisconsin

Read more about LiLA state-based activities. If you are interested in exploring how to bring LiLAs to your community, please contact us.


 
phone: 312/499-2606