CHICAGO – State Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, last week partnered with Community Assistance Programs (CAPs) to host a community job readiness and workforce development workshop aimed at helping residents secure jobs.

“With the state doing its best to transition from the pandemic back to normalcy, it’s critical that we help our workforce do the same,” said Slaughter. “There are thousand of available jobs that are in need of a prepared and qualified worker to fill the role and its events like this that help to address those needs.” 

Slaughter and CAPs hosted the job readiness and workforce dvelopment on Thursday, July 29 outside Slaughter’s district office to increase social distancing and avoid the transmission of COVID-19 amongst individuals gathered in an indoor setting. Representatives from CAPs assisted attendees with preparing for job interviews, resume writing and job readiness. All attendees will continue to work with CAPs to complete a job training program and be matched with a job.

“In these difficult times, we have to make sure that we are prepared to address the inequality that has plagued our community,” said Slaughter. “I am proud to continue to work with organizations like CAPs to continue to address this need and create opportunity where it is most needed.”

For more information, please reach out to Rep. Slaughter’s office at 773-445-9700 or office@repslaughter.com

CHICAGO – To help working families and youth struggling financially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, state Rep. Justin Slaughter, D-Chicago, recently supported a new state law that allows minors to apply for and receive employment certificates online.

“As the economy begins to reopen and heal from the damage inflicted by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have to make sure that we continue to mobilize workers here in Illinois,” said Slaughter. “This new law streamlines the process for 14 and 15-year-olds to get a work permit, benefiting both prospective workers and employers, and I am glad to see it signed into law.” 

The Slaughter-backed Senate Bill 696 passed both chambers of the General Assembly without opposition and was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Continuing an emergency rule put in place during the pandemic, this legislation creates a permanent remote option for granting certificates for minors to enter the workforce.

“A first job is an opportunity to expose someone to life skills and experiences they can’t receive anywhere else,” said Slaughter. “Whether it’s to save money for college, earn cash or pursue work that interests them, this measure makes it easier for our youth to chart their own path forward.” 

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. – Legislation backed by state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, which aims to guarantee employment and health care rights to living organ donors was recently signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.

“Every 10 minutes, another person is added to the waiting list for a life-saving donation,” Mussman said. “No person should have to choose between saving a life and keeping their job or health insurance. This bill ensures that any living organ donors are guaranteed basic rights as they go through the incredibly generous journey of organ donation.”

The Mussman-backed House Bill 2847 puts protections in place against employers retaliating against an employee asking for time off to donate an organ or blood. Additionally, health insurance companies cannot decline, limit or raise the cost of insurance due to one’s status as a living donor under this new law. The Secretary of State’s office will also be improving outreach regarding organ donation, and maintain and update an organ and tissue donation registry.

“In the United States, over 113,000 people are waiting for a lifesaving transplant, and I highly encourage anyone able to sign up to become an organ donor to do so,” Mussman said.  “I am thankful that we were able to pass this bill unanimously, and am hoping many more lives are saved because of our efforts.”

OTTAWA, Ill. – State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, is encouraging local jobseekers to apply to the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) snowbird program, a seasonal employment opportunity to perform emergency snow and ice control on area roads in preparation for winter.

“The snowbird program that IDOT offers not only helps employ people, but does great work keeping roads safe from harsh winter conditions,” Yednock said. “IDOT will need the help in the coming months and this is especially important to our region because amount of residents who use those main roadways in their commutes for work.”

Two types of temporary positions, full time and on call positions are hired for IDOT’s Winter Seasonal Program, which usually occurs from October 16th through April 15th of each year. Applicants must have a commercial driver’s license and submit to a criminal background check. A pre-employment physical, vision testing, and drug and alcohol screening also are required. Veterans are encouraged to apply. In rural areas, farmers and agricultural workers have historically filled out the snowbird ranks.

“I strongly encourage anyone eligible to apply to this seasonal program,” Yednock said. “Here folks have an opportunity to help people through public service and earn extra money.”

Those interested in applying can do so online by visiting www.idot.illinois.gov or work.illinois.gov.  For more information, please call Yednock’s constituent service office at (815) 324-5055 or email StateRepYednock@gmail.com.

ALTON, Ill. – To help connect job seekers with potential employers and services, state Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, is hosting a Metro East Jobs Fair on Saturday, April 6 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Granite City Township Center, located at 2060 Delmar Ave in Granite City.

“During my career as President of the RiverBend Growth Association and my time as State Representative, I have worked with job creators, organized labor, and the chambers of commerce to help support good paying jobs in our region,” said Bristow. “Hosting a jobs fair with my fellow Metro East legislators is a great way that all residents in the Metro East can have access to a variety of companies and organizations that are hiring, whether they are looking for new employment or to change to a different career.”

Bristow’s event is co-hosted by state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, and state Sen. Rachelle Crowe, D-Glen Carbon. Local employers will be on hand with relevant information for those seeking employment or a potential new career. This event is free and open to the public, job seekers only need to bring a copy of their most updated resume or CV.

“People of all ages have been affected by job losses in our area, and we need to do anything we can to help them get back to work. In addition, many recent high school and college graduates are looking for first time employment after graduation,” Bristow continued. “It is my hope that we help connect local employers and good candidates for positions that will not only place people in meaningful careers, but also that help support local businesses and grow our local economy.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A bill backed by state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, will take steps toward a more comprehensive approach to ending workplace harassment and create guidelines and best practices for all employers.

“Workplace harassment causes great pain to the people being harassed,” Jones said. “We cannot ignore their situations. Too often, inappropriate conduct at work goes unchallenged and unchecked, and our values demand that we step in to help people who are held hostage by the threat of losing their paycheck. It’s time to send a message to any would-be harassers that their behavior will not be tolerated.”

Jones is sponsoring House Bill 905, which creates a Private Sector Workplace Anti-Harassment Task Force. Jones’ task force will produce policies to protect workers who are at high-risk of harassment due to their race, gender, immigration status, sexual orientation or reliance on tips, and implement those policies with the help of business leaders and the Illinois Department of Human Rights.

“Protecting workers from inappropriate colleagues is clearly the moral choice, but it also makes economic sense,” Jones said. “When people are free from harassment, they are more productive. Bolstering the Illinois economy means we must defend Illinois workers.”