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Cohen Wants Jobs Initiative Reinstated
(IRN) -- The Put Illinois to Work program expires this week. A candidate for governor wants to see it extended.

Independent Scott Lee Cohen favors extending the program, which used federal money to subsidize jobs at private employers for up to six months. "We have got to put the people of Illinois back to work, and that is why I am calling on Gov. Quinn to extend the Put Illinois to Work program," he said.

That sentiment is seconded by Ron Carter, a small business owner in Chicago who has hired people under the program, but can’t keep them if it expires. "We urge the governor and the elected official to step up to the plate and make sure that this program is extended," he said.

The program is set to expire Thursday.

The program put 26,000 low-income people to work at $10 an hour, helping them develop skills, build work history, and connect with employers. More than 60,000 people applied. More than 4,700 employers participated.

As of mid-August, Illinois had used $194 million in federal money. The state is eligible for up to $292 million.

(Illinois Radio Network)
09 27 10 by Newsroom
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