(Chicago, IL) — November 30, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced the temporary extension of the “Put Illinois to Work” program through Jan. 15, 2011.
The extension, which will cost the state $47 million, is the second that Quinn has ordered to maintain the wildly successful jobs program that has put 26,000 Illinois residents to work.
When federal funding for the program originally expired on September 30, Quinn extended it for two months to provide a bridge in hopes that the U.S. Congress would act to continue funding the program. Congress still considering additional funding for the program.
“I am extending this program today to keep thousands of people in Illinois at work through the holiday season,” said Quinn.
The governor is drawing the money from a part of the sale of the state’s tobacco bonds following a 1998 settlement.
In October, the statewide unemployment rate fell again for the seventh consecutive month to 9.8% (seasonally adjusted) and the state added 8,000 jobs. Illinois has added more than 53,000 jobs in 2010.
Put Illinois to Work is a collaborative effort of Illinois Department Human Services and Heartland Human Care Services and over two dozen partner organizations across the state.
As the U.S. Congress deliberates program funding, the Governor is hopeful they will act to reinstate federal funding for the PIW program to maintain new jobs.
Gov. Pat Quinn
please lord give us some moe time on exstention at least 1moe month
Posted by Edgar Irizarry | January 13, 2011, 11:33 PMI am a mother of 1 ten year old son. I want to go back to work after 15 years and or classes. I an in default of a student loan from 1981 that prevents me from getting a pell grant, please help.
Posted by aaminah khalid | September 25, 2011, 2:59 PM