Budzinski Announces Federal Investment to Address Truck Driver Shortage, Expand Veteran Job Opportunities

SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Lincoln Land Community College, and the Illinois Trucking Association announced a $76,500 U.S. Department of Transportation grant to support Lincoln Land Community College’s commercial motor vehicle operator training program. The program specifically provides commercial driver’s license (CDL) training for veterans, and the USDOT funding secured by Budzinski will support education for at least 17 new students.

“When we don’t have enough drivers, goods take longer to reach store shelves, supply chains become less reliable, and costs rise for businesses and families alike. This program is a powerful opportunity to address that shortage while connecting our veterans to good-paying, in-demand jobs,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I was proud to work with Lincoln Land Community College and the Illinois Trucking Association to secure this funding, and I look forward to continuing our partnership.”

“In the Workforce Institute at Lincoln Land Community College, our goal is to build accessible, affordable, quality pathways so people can get in, get trained and get a job,” said Dr. Charlotte Warren, LLCC President. “Truck driver training is a critical part of that mission, and partnerships like this help us serve student veterans, respond to employer needs and strengthen our communities.”

“This investment in CDL training is a win for Central Illinois and a win for our veterans,” said Matthew Hart, Executive Director of the Illinois Trucking Association. “The trucking industry continues to face a driver shortage, and programs like this help build a skilled, safety-focused workforce while opening the door to stable, good-paying careers. ITA is proud to support Lincoln Land Community College, and we thank Congresswoman Budzinski for her efforts to grow the next generation of professional drivers.”

The grant comes specifically from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) Program that provides funding for enhanced operator training in the safe use of commercial motor vehicles. This award will help address veteran unemployment and the ongoing nationwide trucker shortage.

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