The proposals for work force training put forth by the Clinton Administration offer unprecedented opportunities as well as risks for community colleges, particularly for community colleges in Illinois. These proposals are grounded in a world view that recognizes the need for public investment in employment and training, although this agenda for social spending may have been overwhelmed by the current agenda in Washington for deficit reduction. The Administration does seem to hold a favorable view of community colleges, although the colleges' technical and vocational training aspects may come to be overemphasized at the expense of liberal arts and general education. Specifically, the proposals for job training seek to move the country from the 1930s style unemployment insurance system, which assumed reemployment in an existing job, to one that provides funds for continuous worker training and retraining. With respect to community colleges in Illinois, a tradition of appropriate coordination at the state level and strong governance, responsive to community needs at the local level, positions the system well for the future. If the state's colleges are willing to risk change, their organization as comprehensive institutions, as opposed to the dual postsecondary adult and vocational systems of other states, will also be a benefit, especially with the increased flexibility given to states under the various Clinton proposals. (Contains 10 references, tables, and maps of Illinois college districts.) (BCY)