(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois’ high unemployment rate is prompting changes in the state’s hiring processes. In fact, the Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act comes into effect following two straight calendar months of the state’s unemployment rate exceeding 5%. The law requires that the workforce on all public works projects be composed of a minimum of 90% Illinois resident laborers. Intended to ensure that projects funded using public dollars employ Illinois residents, the new law applies to projects that are funded in whole or in part with state funds or funds administered by the State of Illinois.
(CHICAGO) A measure introduced by Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin would require all airlines to provide a one year notice before reducing the value of points in their loyalty programs. The Protect Your Points Act also would bar airlines from including language in the terms of service for loyalty programs and co-branded credit cards that allow them to make valuation changes without notice. It would also require airlines to display the monetary value of their points on every page of the airlines’ websites.
(ST. LOUIS) Ameren workers across Illinois and Missouri are heading to the East Coast to assist in repairing damage and restoring power outages in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Approximately 125 Ameren personnel and 210 contractor personnel, including line workers, fleet, logistics, and safety, will assist crews from AEP Appalachian Power Company in Charleston, West Virginia. Ameren and its customers were recipients of mutual aid when a derecho hit central Illinois in late June, followed by two additional storms in Missouri & Illinois. Various other electrical crews & workers from many of our downstate area electric cooperatives are also traveling to areas needed to help repair damage and restore power.