State Public Works Projects Must Hire 90 Percent Illinois Workers During Tough Economic Times

EAST ALTON – June 16, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today signed a bill into law that will give Illinois workers a boost during times of high unemployment in the state. House Bill 6349 requires entities receiving state funds or funds administered by the state for public works projects to hire at least 90 percent of their workers from Illinois.

“Illinois workers are some of the best in the nation, and we are doing everything we can to put them to work,” said Governor Quinn. “If you are receiving money from the state of Illinois for a public works project, we want to make sure you hire the hardworking men and women of Illinois.”
The law is aimed at boosting employment in Illinois during periods of economic recession and high unemployment.

Under the new law, all state-funded public works projects must employ Illinois workers to make up at least 90 percent of the project’s workforce during periods of high unemployment – 5 percent or more for two consecutive months. Projects receiving state funds or funds that are administered by the state must adhere to this new law.

House Bill 6349 was sponsored by Rep. Dan Beiser (D-Alton) and Sen. John Sullivan (D-Quincy). The Illinois Department of Labor will enforce the new law, which goes into effect immediately.