(Chicago, IL) September 28, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the extension of the Put Illinois to Work program for up to two months to serve as a bridge until Congress votes on an extension of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Emergency Contingency Fund.
The federal program, which supports Put Illinois to Work, is set to expire on Sept. 30 unless Congress acts to extend the effective job creation measure. More than 26,000 workers have been hired since Put Illinois to Work was launched last April, according to Quinn.
“The best way to make our economy stronger is to put people to work – that is why we are temporarily continuing this successful program until Congress acts to extend the program,” said Quinn.
The August Illinois unemployment rate of 9.9 percent is in single digits for the first August since 2008, offering additional trend data that shows the Illinois economy is steadily improving. Illinois has added more than 37,000 jobs this year, including more than 10,000 manufacturing jobs.
In addition, IDOT is currently leading Illinois’ largest road construction program in state history. From 2009 through the end of this year the state will have invested approximately $8 billion to repair or rebuild 4,800 miles of roads and 566 bridges, creating an estimated 155,000 short-term and permanent jobs.
“Put Illinois to Work is a statewide subsidized employment program designed to provide individuals facing barriers to employment the opportunity to gain valuable work experience, and to earn a wage,” said IDHS Acting Secretary Grace Hong Duffin. “With the experience and skills gained through Put Illinois to Work, these individuals are better equipped to enter the workforce, and to compete for better paying jobs.”
Put Illinois to Work is a collaborative effort of IDHS and Heartland Human Care Services and over two dozen partner organizations across the state. Funding was provided through TANF/ECF, which was created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
Gov. Pat Quinn
Hope congress can decide whether or not to continue the program if not alot of families are going to be really stressed out coming into the new year with no income,and alot of children wont have a Merry Christmas or a Happy New Year.
Posted by baylynn | October 18, 2010, 9:10 AMBut everyone in congress who vote against it dont have to worry about it,cause their income is still coming in.
This job really inspires me to be succesful without tanf benefits i still need snap benefits because i still have to pay rent and bills.
Posted by C stewart | October 31, 2010, 1:34 PMI really am greateful for the illinois to work program, it has been very beneficial to me and my family. It was would be a good gesture if congress extends the program at least until after the holiday season. This job is blessing to me and would love for it to continue.
Posted by shaun weston | November 12, 2010, 7:50 PMThe put IL To Work Program has helped me stablelize my family. I can now afford my own. apartment, after living in shelters for 1yr. and 10 mos. This program has been a blessing to me and my son. I hope and Pray the program is extended until March or at least until after the holidays through the Lord Jesus Christ. I LIVE BY FAITH AND BY FAITH ALONE. so I thank the Lord in advance for extending the program,and working through Congress in Jusus name AMEN.
Posted by Yvette Walker | November 16, 2010, 9:58 AMPut il to work has helped me and my child in so many ways.I can afford to pay my rent,feed me and my child.It”s truly a blessing from god. I pray that congress can find it in there hearts to think about us single mothers and fathers that need this programs to be extended.
Posted by pat barnes | November 27, 2010, 12:56 PMIt is such a blessing being able to work for Put Illinois to Work. It allows me to help financially take care of my family thru this funded program. I pray that it will get extended longer, after Jan 19, 2011. It is a great avenue in conjuction with the help of those who dont get tanf assistance, like Cash. I just get medical and foodstamp benefits which is a great source of help. I pray that it get extended. It is a great tool for training purposes for future job success. Without a doubt in mind, please extend the Illinois program longer.
Posted by Isabel Salas | December 17, 2010, 5:55 AM