$13 million available for community-based workforce training programs

Illinois is investing another $13 million in the Job Training and Economic Development Program (JTED) to accelerate equitable workforce recovery for people who are struggling to gain meaningful employment, and State Senator Steve Stadelman encourges community-based organizations to apply for funding before a Jan. 10 deadline.

"With the JTED program, Illinois is working to ensure every industry has the staff require to thrive and every resident, no matter their background, has the opportunity to participate in the workforce and support their families, Stadelman said. "I urge our region's many accomplished local nonprofit groups and public agencies to pursue these funds for job training and wrap-around services." 

In its first round of JTED funding, $20 million in grants focused on helping increase employment among workers and industries hardest hit by COVID-19. Three first-round local recipients among 44 statewide were:

• YWCA of Northwestern Illinois: $575,000
• City of Rockford, $300,000
• Comprehensive Community Solutions $300,000

In the second round, JTED will address economic impacts experienced by employers and individuals who are underemployed, unemployed or underrepresented, including youth who have one or more barriers to employment which are identified as risk factors. Priority populations include justice-involved individuals, and rural residents. Funding also will continue to focus on hard hit sectors that have seen a labor shortage since the onset of the pandemic -- manufacturing, information technology, logistics, architecture and construction, healthcare and tourism, among others.

Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. Eligible entities can apply for grants between $250,000 to $750,000. Applications will be accepted until January 10 at 5 p.m. To view the NOFO and apply for the grant, please visit the DCEO website.

Stadelman-supported law to expedite state licensing now in effect

Professionals seeking state licenses through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation soon will see improvements to the process thanks to a newly signed law supported by State Senator Steve Stadelman. 

House Bill 2394 took effect  immediately after receiving the governor's signature at the end of last week. The legislation addresses a record backlog by creating an expedited and competitive bid procurement process for software to modernize the way IDFPR processes license applications.

IDFPR administers licenses for over 100 different professions including nurses, barbers, roofers, social workers, dentists and others. In Illinois, more than one million people need a professional license or registration to work.

HB 2394 also requires the department to extend the expiration date or renewal period for any profession licensed by them if the agency secretary finds that there is a significant operational need to do so or it is necessary to avoid undue hardship on a profession's licensees.
 

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