Bill Saves 1,800 Jobs in Iowa, Delivers Medicaid Assistance

Washington, DC – Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) voted today to cut the nation’s deficit by $1.4 billion while saving nearly 2,000 Iowa jobs and delivering essential Medicaid Assistance to Iowa. The Education, Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act will create opportunities for middle-class workers while significantly reducing the nation’s debt.

“I came back to Washington today to pass legislation that prioritizes education, community safety and middle-class family values,” Braley said. “Investing in education is investing in our state’s economy. This bill is fully paid for and will save 1,800 jobs in Iowa. Cutting the national deficit and putting teachers back to work are common-sense, important steps to getting our nation’s economy back on track. This legislation directly benefits families and children in Iowa, and I look forward to President Obama signing it into law.”

The Education, Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act will give Iowa $96 million to fund as many as 1,800 jobs and deliver $128 million in Medicaid assistance. The bill is fully paid for by closing tax loopholes that currently reward companies for shipping jobs overseas.

# # #

New Law Prohibits Employers from Discriminating Based on a Job Seeker or Employee’s Credit History

CHICAGO – August 10, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that prohibits Illinois employers from discriminating based on a job seeker or employee’s credit history. The new law will remove a significant barrier to employment for the growing segment of the population whose credit history has been affected by the historic national recession.

“A job seeker’s ability to earn a decent living should not depend on how well they are weathering the greatest economic recession since the 1930s,” said Governor Quinn. “This law will stop employers from denying a job or promotion based on information that is not an indicator of a person’s character or ability to do a job well.”

House Bill 4658, sponsored by Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock) and Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park), creates the Employee Credit Privacy Act. Under the act, Illinois’ employers may not use a person’s credit history to determine employment, recruiting, discharge or compensation.

The new law forbids employers from inquiring about an applicant or employee’s credit history or obtaining a copy of their credit report. The law does not affect an employer’s ability to conduct a thorough background investigation that does not contain a credit history or report.

Employers who violate the new law can be subject to civil liability for damages or injunctive relief.

Under the new law, employers may access credit checks under limited circumstances, including positions that involve: bonding or security per state or federal law; unsupervised access to more than $2,500; signatory power over businesses assets of more than $100; management and control of the business; access to personal, financial or confidential information, trade secrets, or state or national security information.

Pre-employment credit screenings are on the rise throughout the nation. The Society for Human Resources Management recently found that 60 percent of employers run a credit check on at least some applicants. That is an increase from the 42 percent in 2006 and 25 percent in 1998.

The new law takes effect Jan. 1, 2011.

###