Governor Quinn Signed Senator Jones’ Legislation to End Recidivism
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Today, Governor Quinn signed State Senator Emil Jones III legislation to assist discharged convicts and prisoners obtain employment become self sufficient.
House Bill 3360 provides that the Department of Corrections (DOC) and the Department of Employment Security (IDES) to collaborate to find suitable employment opportunities for ex-offenders upon discharge. Recently IDES was found to be in noncompliance with a section of the Public Employment Office Act. This legislation is an effort to better align IDES with the act and promote self sufficiency through employment.
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Thursday July 15, 2011 Larry Luster 217-741-5692
“A lot of prisoners recommit crimes and find themselves incarcerated because they lack employment opportunities,” Jones said. “This legislation will give them an opportunity to benefit the community and start a new life.”
Statistics show it can cost Illinois upwards of $50,000 a year to house a single inmate. With Illinois housing nearly 49,000 inmates, this cost saving legislation can save the state millions of dollars in corrections cost.
“As a former employee of IDES, I know the disparity of job opportunities that exists in our state,” Jones said. “This legislation reasserts my commitment to find employment opportunities for everyone during these tough fiscal times.”
Currently, IDES works with DOC on the Re-Entry Employment Service program to provide ex-offenders with job readiness assessments, referrals to supportive services and job development opportunities. It also provides post-hire support to employers and employees.
This ground-breaking program has proven successful in several states throughout the country and will yield similar results in Illinois.
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