Governor Quinn Calls on Congress to Extend Jobs Program

CHICAGO – September 13, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today released a statement urging the U.S. Congress to extend the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Emergency Contingency Fund (TANF/ECF) for an additional year. The federal program supports Governor Quinn’s Put Illinois to Work program, which has created more than 26,000 jobs throughout Illinois. The federal program is set to expire on Sept. 30 unless Congress acts to extend the effective job creation measure.

“As Congress returns to Washington, I urge quick action to extend this program that has a proven track record of creating jobs and helping businesses throughout Illinois and our nation.

“This important federal funding has helped the Put Illinois to Work program create more than 26,000 jobs for hard-working people throughout Illinois and more than 5,200 summer jobs for our youth. It also allowed more than 4,700 of Illinois’ employers to expand their businesses.

“We cannot afford to lose momentum as we continue our economic recovery. Quick action by Congress on this job creation measure would keep thousands of people at work in Illinois and continue to build on the progress we have made.”

To date, Illinois has drawn down more than $235 million in TANF/ECF funds. The U.S. House of Representatives has voted twice this year to extend the program, while legislation has not passed the U.S. Senate.