Momentum Builds to Reach Program's Goal of 15,000 Jobs
CHICAGO - May 3, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that 349 employers across the state have agreed to employ more than 2,825 workers through the Quinn Administration's Put Illinois to Work (PIW) employment program, which was launched only a week ago.
At that time, Governor Quinn unveiled the PIW program, an anti-poverty effort designed to develop a healthy workforce by putting unemployed and underemployed Illinois residents to work. Put Illinois to Work is expected to create more than 15,000 jobs.
"The response by employers and workers has been tremendous, and the momentum is building toward creating more good-paying jobs that can support families and communities," said Governor Quinn. "Already, 349 employers across Illinois have signed on to Put Illinois to Work and committed to employing 2,825 people. I encourage businesses and residents across the state to visit PutIllinoistoWork.Illinois.gov and fill out an application."
Through Put Illinois to Work, eligible Illinois residents will be placed in subsidized employment positions with participating worksites for up to six months, learning valuable skills and supporting their families. The program will help stimulate Illinois' ailing economy and develop a healthy workforce by providing meaningful work experience for participants.
The Put Illinois to Work program was recently profiled in a story appearing last Sunday in the New York Times, which noted the program is designed to deal with the current economic emergency by allowing employers to create jobs for members of low-income families and single mothers immediately throughout the state.
Private, public and non-profit businesses are encouraged to sign on with Put Illinois to Work. Eligible participants will be matched to subsidized employment opportunities with these worksites in hopes that they might transition into an unsubsidized position at the program's conclusion.
Put Illinois to Work is a collaborative effort of the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Heartland Human Care Services (HHCS). Funding is provided through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Contingency Fund (ECF), which was created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
Eligible worksites and participants must meet program criteria and agree to adhere to specific programmatic requirements. Participants must be age 18-21, or 18 and older and the parent (custodial or non-custodial) of a minor child. All participants must have a household income below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level ($2,428 per month for a family of two) and be legally present and authorized to work.
For eligibility criteria and additional information on Put Illinois to Work, visit www.PutIllinoistoWork.Illinois.gov.
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