ROCKFORD (WSIL) -- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker traveled to Rockford Thursday to announce new funding to assist those who've lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The $16.6 million comes from two grants, both part of the National Dislocated Worker Program, through the U.S. Department of Labor.
The Pritzker administration says the funding will be used to "place, train and hire" nearly 1,300 residents for jobs related to the ongoing pandemic response.
“Even when times are hard � especially when times are hard � we have to invest in the things that lift up our communities � and we gather today to celebrate another such effort. I’m proud to announce that a $16.6 million investment to expand job opportunities for Illinoisans who have become unemployed in the COVID-19 pandemic � to place, train and hire nearly 1,300 people for an array of jobs in Rockford and across the state,� said Gov. Pritzker. “This federal funding � made possible by the Department of Labor’s Emergency Recovery and Disaster Recovery Grant programs � will help us address a goal for reinvigorating our economy that is two-fold � returning more of our residents to the job while simultaneously addressing new economic demands brought on by COVID-19.�
State officials say the grants will provide training for jobs that assist local disaster relief programs, as well as industries in high demand.
Some of the funded positions include COVID-19 recovery-related temporary jobs, such as contact tracers, building sanitization workers, and temperature screeners.
The funding will be distributed to 12 across Illinois. LWIAs partner with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide year-round training and support to communities across the state.
“These investments are a critical step to help Illinois residents and business owners impacted by COVID-19 in Rockford and across Illinois,� said Tom McNamara, Mayor of Rockford. “Every community has been affected by the pandemic, and these grants will help place job seekers in roles that are in high demand. I thank the Governor and his administration for his continued support and commitment to getting our residents back to work during these challenging times.�
Training and hiring for new workforce programs are expected to begin this fall, with the start time of each program varying by location.
Officials say applicants laid off or terminated during the COVID-19 pandemic will be given priority.
For more information on workforce training programs, visit .
