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Thursday, May 16, 2013

Illinois Gov Quinn signs The Employment First Act - People with Disabilities employment

The Associated Press; May 15, 2013

CHICAGO-- Gov. Pat Quinn says new legislation will help disabled Illinois residents find better jobs.

The Employment First Act is headed to Quinn's desk for signature after clearing the state Senate Tuesday in a 54-0 vote.

It requires state agencies helping the disabled find work to consider as a first option those positions that offer competitive pay. It also prioritizes jobs in integrated settings that include non-disabled workers.

Quinn proposed the measure in his State of the State address in February. His goal is to double the rate of employment for people with disabilities by 2015.

On Wednesday he said in a written statement that "Illinois is a state where every person has the opportunity to chase their dreams."
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Press Release
Governor Pat Quinn

May 15, 2013
Statement from Gov. Pat Quinn Regarding Passage of State of the State Priority "Employment First" Legislation
CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today released the following statement regarding the passage of House Bill 2591 - the Employment First Act, which he proposed for Illinois in his 2013 State of the State Address.

"Our Illinois is a state where every person has the opportunity to chase their dreams and reach their full potential.

"As I said in my State of the State address, I'm committed to making Illinois the nation's leading employer of people with disabilities.

"We took a good step towards that goal with the passage of a bill that will make Illinois an Employment First state. This bill will require all state agencies to work together to make competitive employment for people with disabilities a priority and develop measurable goals and objectives for the state of Illinois.

"I salute Representative Esther Golar, Senator Daniel Biss and advocates across Illinois for their tireless work to pass this legislation. I look forward to making Illinois an Employment First state."

http://www3.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=3&RecNum=11183

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