Budzinski introduces employment resources guide

U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) has followed up her LEAP Act job training bill with an employment resource guide on her congressional website to help people in Central and Southern Illinois connect with local job opportunities.

The guide includes links to government and local resources to improve access to workforce development resources and local job openings.

“I came to Congress to lift up working families and help communities across central and southern Illinois thrive,” Budzinski said. “A key part of that is ensuring that everyone has access to a good paying job. Whether folks are entering the job market for the first time or seeking a new role, I’m hopeful that our employment resources guide will be a helpful took to improve access to new opportunities available throughout Illinois’ 13th Congressional District.”

The website includes resources through Budzinski’s office as well as state unemployment, entrepreneurial resources to start your own business, financial help with housing, bills and health insurance, and more.

“I understand it’s hard for many folks right now,” read a statement from Budzinski in the guide. “Higher prices on things like gas and groceries are making it tough for a lot of people… Thankfully there is good news we can build on. Our economy is continuing to create record numbers of good-paying jobs, and I hope anyone who may need assistance can take advantage of these great opportunities.”

Budzinski has made Labor a focus: Her first bill was the Leveraging and Energizing America’s Apprenticeship Programs (LEAP) Act, which addressed the job skills gap by supporting apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. It provided a $1,500 federal tax credit for business hiring apprentices registered through the U.S. Department of Labor or a state apprenticeship agency.

In February, she joined with Congressional leaders to support the PRO Act, a bipartisan proposal to expand nationwide Illinois’ protections for workers’ rights to come together and bargain for higher wages and safer workplaces.

You can access Budzinski’s employment resources guide at https://budzinski.house.gov/unemployment-resources.