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SPRINGFIELD, ILL. -- Governor Pat Quinn recently signed House Bill 6349, sponsored by State Senator John Sullivan (D - Rushville).

The legislation requires that, during times of high unemployment in the State, at least 90 percent of workers employed on public works projects be from Illinois.

"It must be our priority to put Illinoisans to work, especially during these trying times with high unemployment in the State," Sullivan said.

"As our economy continues to recover, every effort should be given to see that Illinois residents be given priority to work on Illinois financed jobs."

This new law will be in force during periods of 5 percent or greater unemployment for two or more consecutive months.

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) will implement and administer the Act. Penalties paid by violators will go into a new Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Projects Fund to pay expenses IDOL incurs administrating the Act.

At the bill signing, the Governor said it is only right to encourage jobs be given to those who live and pay taxes in Illinois. State, county and local officials, along with labor and business leaders, attended the signing ceremony.

"Public works jobs are typically good paying jobs, and as we invest in our state's infrastructure through these projects, we need to invest in our work force at the same time," Sullivan said. "With this legislation, we are securing jobs for our citizens in the future."

With the Governor's signature, HB 6349 takes effect immediately.