Appropriations bills have been introduced in the Illinois state Senate that will increase funding for the Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) program, and the Employment Opportunity Grant Program (EOGP) in the state’s FY 2010 budget.

Next Weds, March 18, Governor Pat Quinn will make his first budget address since taking office in January.  We have been hearing that this budget will include “difficult choices” that may include cuts in programs and services as well as increases in revenues.

It is important to understand that the Governor’s address is just the beginning of the budget process that must be negotiated with both chambers in the legislature before a final budget is approved. The Illinois Constitution mandates a balanced budget and a flat income tax, so it will be interesting to see what revenue options the Governor will put on the table and what programs may face cuts.  A budget also must pass with a simple majority of both chambers by May 31.  After June 1, a super majority is needed to pass any budget.

In conversations with Senators at the Capitol — both Democrats and Republicans — IWF staff is finding broad support for job training in this time of economic downturn.  At the present time the Senate bills have 10 co-sponsors, and more Senators are signing on as co-sponsors every day.  To see if your Senator has signed on as a co-sponsor, click here.  If you don’t know who represents you in the State Senate, go to Project Vote Smart and enter your zip+4.

We need everyone to call their Senator and if they are supportive, ask them to cosponsor both SB 1696 (JTED) and SB 1697 (EOGP). The appropriations levels in these bills is $10 million for JTED and $12.5 million for EOGP.  Please talk to your Senators about how these strategies will help put people back to work under the Recovery Act.

The JTED program partners with business to train individuals for jobs that are available in the community. The EOGP provides a pathway for disadvantaged workers, people of color and women to enter the building trades. Both of these are proven strategies that are “shovel ready” — strategies that the state has at their disposal right now to train people for the jobs that are or will be created in the Recovery Act.

For more information, or to become more involved, contact Rev. Jennifer Kottler.