News Tribune - Durbin Checks Out IVCC Technology Center

News Article

By Rachel Stella

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin visited the Peter Miller Community Technology Center at Illinois Valley Community College on Friday to talk about community colleges.

"It really is what we need to educate workers for jobs," the Illinois Democrat said of the center. "The students who are studying there have a chance to end up with a good-paying job." Durbin said he was visiting community colleges around the state and working on legislation "to "incentivize' community colleges to be more successful."

He said he wanted community colleges to have stronger ties with businesses and with high schools to get young people on the path to a job.

IVCC president Jerry Corcoran described the meeting as "positive and productive" and said they discussed "the challenges facing higher education," particularly the availability of federal grants helping students to afford college.

"My record is pretty clear," Durbin said. "I support the community college system and job training. I think there are plenty of job opportunities in Illinois."

Speaking of jobs, what do you think of your opponent Jim Oberweis' plan to raise the minimum wage only for workers ages 26 and older?

"That is one of the worst ideas I've ever heard," Durbin said. "Think about who he would hurt -- college students who are trying to work their way through college couldn't get an increase in minimum wage."

He also mentioned young single mothers working minimum-wage jobs.
"It reflects the fact that he's out of touch with working families who are just trying to get by," he said.

Do you plan to accept Oberweis' challenge to debate on TV?
"I've proposed four appearances, one in Chicago," Durbin said. "I'm looking for an opportunity downstate, since I'm from downstate."

According to reports, Durbin and Oberweis have clashed over how many televised debates they wanted to have.

Oberweis this week claimed Durbin did not agree to debate on PBS/WTTW Chicago.
"In the primary, (Oberweis) refused all debates except for one non-televised debate at a senior citizens' home in Huntley," Durbin said. "I've offered him a few of them, and I'm looking for a few more."

Source