The Jobs Council is an organization that works with its members to ensure access to employment and career advancement opportunities for people in poverty. Through advocacy, applied research, capacity-building, and public education, CJC aims to influence the development or reform of public policies and programs that guide and support welfare-to-work, workforce development, economic development and other initiatives that lead to jobs.

We carry out our mission through a “working group process”: in monthly meetings, members identify and refine the issues where action is needed and likely to produce beneficial results for our constituents. Members and staff then analyze the issues, determine strategies, and carry out plans cooperatively, often engaging other coalitions and partners.

Workforce Development Work Group Meeting March 12, 2013

Steering Committee Member:

Wendy Pollack Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law 312‐368‐3303 [email protected]

Agenda

I. Welcome and Introductions

II. Supportive Services for individuals living with HIV/AIDS Joe Hollendoner, Senior Vice President of Programs, AIDS Foundation of Chicago Colleen Boraca, Attorney, Aids Legal Council of Chicago Sarah Colaric Employment Project Manager, Chicago House

III. CJC Policy Updates, Carrie Thomas, Associate Director

IV. Community Antiviolence and Restoration Effort (CARE) , Executive Director, Cook County Judicial Advisory Council Chris Bernard, Program Coordinator, Cook County Justice Advisory Council Felicia Davis, City of Chicago Mayor’s Office

Past Working Group materials posted at: http://cjc.net/resources/working‐group/. For more information please contact Crispina Ojeda Simmons at [email protected] or Dan Lyonsmith at [email protected].

Chicago Jobs Council 29 E. Madison St., Suite 1700 | Chicago, IL 60602‐4415 | p. 312.252.0460 | f. 312.252.0099 www.cjc.net

PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS & EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Chicago Jobs Council March 12, 2013 Learning Objectives

• Increase understandinggp of HIV/AIDS and its impact on employment seekers. • Increase knowledge of services available to people living with HIV/AIDS throug h Ryan White sys tem. • Increase knowledge of unique legal issues that affect people living with HIV/AIDS. • Share best practices for employing people living with HIV/AIDS. THE LOCAL LANDSCAPE

Joe Hollendoner, MSW Senior Vice President of Programs AIDS Foundation of Chicago Chicago 2010 Preliminary Estimates 1,092 Chicagoans Diagnosed with HIV in 2009.

40, 000 35,093 35,000 30,000 28,741 25, 000 20,000 15,520 15,000 12,727 10,818 9,303 10,000 5,000 - HIV/AIDS: RACE & ETHNICITY IL HIV REPORTED LIVING CASES BY RACE, 2011

Other Unknown IL HIV 4% 2% Reported Diagnosi s by Hispanic Race/eth 14% nicity Caucasian 2011 32% 0%

African American 48%

African Americans represent more almost half of people with HIV in Illinois. ILLINOIS HIV/AIDS: GENDER PERSONS LIVING WTH HIV BY GENDER, 2011 (s ince 2005)

Gender Reported Diagnosis 2011 0% Female 23%

Male 77%

ONE in FOUR (23%, or 36313,631 THREE out of FOUR (77%, or women) people living with HIV in 11,822 men) people living 2011 were women. with HIV were men. RYAN WHITE SERVICES Ryan White CARE Act

• Origgyinally authorized in 1990 , the R yan White CARE Act is the largest federally funded program for people living with HIV/AIDS. • FdiiFunding is organ idiized in PtParts, all fun de d throug h HRSA: • Part A – EMA’s with significant HIV/AIDS epidemic • Part B – State funding, including AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) • Part C – Directly funded services • Part D - Services for women,,,y children, and youth • Part F – Dental services, training centers, and special projects • Ryan White is designed to be the payer of last resort. Ryan White Service Categories

Core: Essential (Supportive): • Ambulatory Medical Care • Emergency Financial • AIDS Drug Assistance Services Program (ADAP) • FdSiFood Services • Early Intervention Services • Housing • Medical Case • Legal Services Management • Medical Transportation • Mental Health • Outreach • Oral Health • Psychosocial Support • Substance Abuse • Substance Abuse (Outpatient) (()Residential)

Note: Other Service Categories are available through Ryan White. Accessing Ryan White & Other Services

Case Management Services • AIDS Foundation of Chicago - (312) 922-2322

Online Resource Directory • http://www.tpan.com/online_directory/index.shtml

IL State HIV/AIDS Hotline • (800) AID -AIDS LEGAL ISSUES

Colleen Boraca Attorney AIDS Legal Council of Chicago Illinois AIDS Confidentiality Act (ACA)

Section 9 of the ACA states:

“No person may disclose or be compelled to disclose the identity of any person whom a test is performed, or the results of such a test in a manner which permits identification of the subject of the test.” In other words…

It is illegal for anyyp person to disclose your HIV status without your permission. This includes your employer, if you decide to share your status, who must maintain strict confidentiality.

However there are some exceptions. Exceptions to the AIDS Confidentiality Act

• Sppyyousal Notification by a Physician • Health care provider or employee of health facility • Law enforcement officer • Firefighter • EMT Penalties for Violating the AIDS Confidentiality Act

Negligent Disclosure=$2000 per disc losure

Intent io na l Disc losu r e= $1 0,000 per disclosure Employment Law

Discrimination aggppainst people with HIV is ILLEGAL Your rights are protected by federal and state laws. An employer cannot fire, demote, or refuse to hire you because you ’re HIV pos itive. Cer ta in c ities an d coun ties in Illinois (such as Chicago and Cook County) also have laws which make discrimination against people with HIV illegal. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The ADA is a federal law which pppyrohibits employers with 15 or more employees from firing, demoting, or refusing to hire people solely because of their disability, including people with HIV or people believed to be HIV positive.

The ADA is important because it gives you the right to a “reasonable accommodation” at work, so you can keep doing your job. Reasonable Accommodation

A reasonable accommodation is a changgye in your workplace or work routine that makes it possible for you to keep your job. Examples include: • Star ting work at 9 a.m. i ns tead o f 8 a.m. • Taking one afternoon each month to visit the doctor • Working at home one day of the week Reasonable Accommodation Refusals

There are two situations in which an emppyloyer ma y refuse to grant a reasonable accommodation: • The company employs fewer than 15 employees and is notdbthADAt covered by the ADA • The accommodation causes “undue hardship” which means it creates an unfair burden on the employer. DO I HAVE TO TELL MY EMPLOYER THAT I AM HIV+?

Rule of Thumb: Your Status is Personal and Rarely Needs to be Disclosed Exceptions:

• Emppyloyers ma y ask for medical documentation of disability when granting reasonable accommodations • Not always HIV—could be disabling condition such as ftifatigue or l ymph oma An ppprospective em pyployer can onl y mandate physical exams… • After someone has been offered a jjyob but before actually starting the job • As long as everyone is subject to the physical exam, not jtjust a spec ific person • If they refuse to let you start the job upon learning of your status, contact an attorney immediately Can an emppyloyer refuse to hire someone who is HIV+? Direct Threat Exception • Must pose a significant risk of substantial harm to the health or safety of the individual or of others, if that • Risk cannot be eliminated or reduced below the level of a "direct threat" by reasonable accommodation. ADA Direct Threat Exception

• Must be based on actual risks • Not based on speculation, stereotypes or generalizations about individuals with disabilities Based on definition of direct threat…

• Could an HIV+ individual be denied emppyloyment: • as a dishwasher? • in food service? • as a physician? Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

FMLA is a federal law which allows certain emppyloyees to take time off from their jobs in certain circumstances and guarantees their right to return.

It might entitle you to up to 12 weeks of unpaid sick leave (all at once or in pieces) each year from work for your own serious health conditions or serious health conditions of children, parents, or spouses. FMLA Eligibility

FMLA applies onl y to com panies which have 50 or more employees. To be eligible:

• You must have worked at your job for at least 12 months

• You must have worked an average of at least 25 hours a week

YdYou do no ttiddithtit get paid during the time you are no t wor king and an employer cannot retaliate against you for taking FMLA time if yygou are eligible. Employment and Benefits Eligibility

When yyyyou return to work your Social Security and Medicaid benefits will change.

If you go back to work you must report your earnings to Social Security and Medicaid within 10 days of any changes to your income. Social Securityyy Disability Insurance (SSDI) • If yyyou are on SSDI and return to work you will have a “trial work period” of nine months • Months are counted when you earn more than $750 (in 2013) • During trial work period, you will receive your entire SSDI check • Even if check ends after TWP, can be restored any time income drops below 1050 • Medicare stays in place for up to nine years Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

•SSI=no trial work period •Your SSI check ggyoes down as your income goes up •Ifthf you earn too much money your SSI check ends comppyletely •Can usually keep Medicaid if earnings un der 27, 435 Resources

Eqqpyppyual Employment Opportunity Commission http://www.eeoc.gov/field/chicago/charge.cfm (within 300 days of alleged discrimination)

Illinois Department of Human Rights http://www2.illinois.gov///dhr/Pages/ /fdefault.aspx (within 180 days of alleged discrimination) Resources

ADA QQg&A and Persons Living with HIV/AIDS: http://www.ada.gov/aids/ada_q&a_aids.htm FMLA: http://www.dol.gov/whd/fmla/ AIDS Legal Council of Chicago http://www.aidslegal.com/ HIV & EMPLOYMENT

Sarah Colaric Employment Program Manager Chicago House Social Service Agency Mission of Chicago House & iFOUR

• Chicagggyo House and Social Service Agency serves individuals and families by providing housing, employment services, medical linkages, HIV prevention services, and other supportive services to those who are disenfranchised by HIV/AIDS, poverty, homelessness, and/or gender nonconformity. All Chicago House services are pppyrovided without discrimination and are explicitly designed to guide people towards wholeness and self- sufficiency.

• The mission of the iFOUR Employment Program is to Increase Individual Income and Independence for our clients. Basic Program Structure

• Designed based on the evidence-based Supportive Employment model; • iMove 4ward Workshop: Comprehensive and intensive four-weektk trai n ing; • One-on-one career counseling and job placement services with a Career Specialist; • Post-employment support services to ensure job retention; • FAST: Foodservice Accelerated Skills Training; • TransWorks: adapted iFour model for the transgender/ gender non-conforming identified community. How is iFOUR different?

• iMove 4ward Workshop is tailored to HIV-specific needs; • Maintaining benefits while going back to work • Maintaining medication/appointment adherence • Disclosure in the workplace • Discrimination in the workplace • Career Specialists trained in HIV/AIDS and the unique ways this impacts an individual ’s decision to return to work (social work model of employment services); • Post Employment Support around challenges such as discrimination, stigma and requesting job accommodations in the workplace. Additional Services

• Resume/cover letter development, mock interviewing; • Job Club: drop-in opportunity to utilize computers, printers, and fax machines to work on resumes, research job leads, and submit applications; • Professional etiquette workshops: to assist clients with self- reflection and development of appropriate professional communication and conflict resolution; • Transportation: CTA cards provided for all appointments, application submissions, interviews, and first two weeks of employment ; • Professional interview clothes (when available through donations); • Free voicemail and referrals to ggppg;overnment phone programs; • Linkage to education and tutoring resources. Wraparound Services

• Full assessment of ppysychosocial factors that im pact employment; • Referrals for case management, housing, mental health supportdilllbtbt, medical care, legal, substance abuse treatment/recovery support, childcare, food pantries, & more; • Recovery Meets Employment: weekly recovery group to address the common triggers that clients in recovery face when returning to the workforce; • Gaining Ground Program: scattered-site housing program that runs in conjunction with iFOUR. HIV & Employment Resources

Department of Labor Information for Employers & Service Providers: • http://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/hivaids/employers.htm • http://www.dol.gov/odep/topics/hivaids/Toolsandstrategies.htm

Online forum re: HIV & Employment Issues • http://www.thebody.com/Forums/AIDS/Workplace/index.html

National Working Positive Coalition • http://www.workingpositive.net/index.htm

Job Accommodation Network (JAN) • http://askjan. org/media/hiv. html QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

2 co-leaders We envision a Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County President Chicago where we Toni Preckwinkle feel safe in any neighborhood 56 planning group members representing 36 different organizations

Make Chicago the 100+ community leaders on 11 community collaboratives safest big city in

America by 2020 11 actions for prevention, intervention, and response Annual spend of $4.4 billion DRAFT Mayor Emanuel and President Preckwinkle assembled a planning team

City

County State

Faith-based Federal Community partners Anti-Violence and Restoration Effort (CARE) Foundation Community

Non- Media & profit Business Feb 2011 DRAFT DRAFT CARE planning leadership group

CITY COUNTY FAITH BUSINESS Mayor Rahm Emanuel President Toni Preckwinkle Dr. Byron T. Brazier Keith Bevans Duwain Bailey Shauna Boliker Apostolic Church of God Bain & Company Chicago Housing Authority State’s Attorney Father Kevin Brockenbrough Jean-Claude Brizard Rashanda Carroll St. Sabina Burrell Communication Sheriff’s Office Pastor Otis Moss III Nora Moreno Cargie Jadine Chou Hon. Timothy Evans Trinity UCC The Boeing Company Chicago Public Schools Chief Judge Fay Ferguson Burrell Communications Dr. Bechara Choucair Miquel Lewis NONPROFIT Tracie Hall Dept. of Public Health Juvenile Probation Ric Estrada Metropolitan Family Services The Boeing Company Evelyn J. Diaz Dr. Ram Raju Family & Support Services Health & Hospital System Michael D. Rodríguez Hermene Hartman Enlace Chicago N’Digo Magazine Felicia Davis Karin Norrington-Reaves First Deputy Chief of Staff Cook County Works Monica Haslip Thomas Wilson Little Black Pearl Garry McCarthy Michael J. Rohan The Allstate Corporation Chicago Police Dept Juvenile Probation Thomas Vanden Berk Joe Patterson Sidney Thomas UCAN FOUNDATION Chicago Police Dept Health & Hospital System Diane Williams Don Cooke Safer Foundation Gene Williams Jesús Reyes McCormick Foundation Chicago Police Dept Adult Probation Amber Gladney Vicki Rogers RESEARCH Field Foundation STATE Public Defender Margaret Egan David Hiller Dr. Toni Irving Juliana Stratton Univ of Chicago Crime Lab McCormick Foundation Governor's Offie Justice Advisory Council Paula Wolff Craig Howard Metropolis Strategies MacArthur Foundation Sharron Matthews Dept of Healthcare and Ravenn Moore James Lewis Human Services Metropolis Strategies The Chicago Community Trust Denice Murray Roseanna Ander Terry Mazany Dept of Children and Family Univ of Chicago Crime Lab The Chicago Community Trust Services Aurie Pennick Barbara Shaw Field Foundation of Illinois IL Violence Prevention Nina Vinik Authority Joyce Foundation DRAFT More than 100 community organizations involved to date

100 Black Men of Chicago Greater Auburn Gresham Community Park Manor Neighbors Community Council A Knock at Midnight Development Corporation Pastors of Englewood Adler School of Professional Psychology Greater Open Door Baptist Church People's Church of the Harvest All Nations Church of God in Christ Greater St. John Bible Church Project Vida Antioch Social Services Heritage International Christian Church PUSH Apostolic Church of God Holy Cross Hospital Resident Association of Greater Englewood Association House Holy Rock Missionary Baptist Church RML Specialty Hospital Beloved Family I AM ABLE Roseland Community Hospital Bethel New Life Imagine Englewood If… Safer Foundation Better Boys Foundation Instituto del Progreso Latino Beyond the Ball Kids Off the Block Scwab Rehabilitation Center: In My Shoes Black United Fund of Illinois KLEO Center Program Boys & Girls Club of Chicago La Villita Community Church Sinai Health System Breakthrough Urban Ministries Lawndale Christian Development Corporation Southwest Organizing Project Brighton Park Neighborhood Council Lawndale Christian Legal Center Southwest Youth Collaborative Build, Inc Liberation Christian Center St. Anthony Hospital CeaseFire LISC St. Edmunds Redevelopment Corporation Center on Halsted Little Black Pearl St. John Missionary Baptist Church Chicago Central States SER, Jobs for Progress Little Village Community Development St. Sabina Chicago Area Project Corporation St. Stephens AME Church Chicago Embassy Church Major Adams Youth Academy Steans Family Foundation Chicago Urban League Mars Hill Baptist Church Target Area Dev Corp Chicago West Community Music Center Metropolis Strategies Teamwork Englewood Chicago Youth Boxing Club Metropolitan Family Services Telpochcalli, Community Education Project ChicagoAllies for Youth Success Mexican American Legal Defense and The Resurrection Project Children's Home + Aid Education Fund Trinity UCC Corazon Community Services Mikva Challenge Corinthian Temple COGIC Mt. Vernon Baptist Church UCAN CWIC Mujeres Latinas en Accion Urban League DePaul NCP Woodlawn Village Boys and Girls Club Dr. Jorge Prieto Clinic Near West Community Development VPC Youth Council ENLACE Corporation West Humboldt Park CDC Evening Star Missionary Baptist Church Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago Westside Federation Finance: According To Your Faith New Beginnings Church Woods Boys and Girls Club Free Spirit Media New Birth Church of God in Christ World Sport Chicago Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance New Life Community Church YMCA Gary Comer Youth Center NOW (Woodlawn) YMCA Street Intervention Program GoodCity Young Chicago Authors Youth Advocate Program (YAP) Youth Guidance VIOLENT CRIME PER 100,000 PEOPLE TRENDS 2001 - 2011 2011 BY CHICAGO POLICE DISTRICT

NYC, LA CHICAGO average

Chicago average

Twice the violent crime as Chicago LA average

NYC

Less safe than Chicago 2001 2011 DRAFT average Intervention: One Summer Chicago DRAFT

168,000 other summer opportunities for youth in the city and suburbs available from one website

DRAFT 11 strong blocks active Apr-Jun: Prevention in action: 12% less crime Strong Blocks wraparound

6 COMMUNITY PROGRAMS 18 prayer vigils 1 6 block clean ups TAKE DOWN targeted arrests

POLICE PRESENCE 2 SERVICE FAIR 24-7 beat car 17 child & youth programs Re-entry employment 5 311 SERVICES 3,779 street lights fixed 4,007 potholes filled COMMUNITY MEETING 1,067 trees trimmed 719 residents participated 3

DRAFT 4 Response: DRAFT Alternatives and Diversion

$1.5 million added by County for alternatives and diversions to juvenile detention:

New community-based interventions for minors in jeopardy of detention

Therapy for minors and families exposed to violence

Youth participate in a peace circle (Photo source: Medill School at Northwestern) DRAFT Action steps for community-government programs

Strong blocks "wraparound" COMMUNITY- BASED Expanded safe passage PREVENTION Policy reforms based on youth shooting review

Coordinated out-of-school program Specialized mentoring and family engagement YOUTH INTERVENTION Alternatives to out of school suspension Student re-engagement centers

Gang accountability (VRS) Community-based alternatives to detention RESPONSE Enhanced pre-trial services Aftercare services for ex-offenders WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

[email protected]

[email protected]

DRAFT Brownfield Redevelopment and Intermodal Promotion Act (BRIMPA) HB2212

INCREASES ILLINOIS’ COMPETITIVENESS FOR GROWING INTERMODAL INDUSTRY

INCENTIVIZES THE REMEDIATION AND RE-USE of brownfields to create intermodal, warehousing and light manufacturing jobs on over 1,500 industrial acres selected for their high redevelopment potential in a designated zone in freight-rich southern Cook County. Reimburses private investments in brownfields only after new jobs created.

CAPITALIZES ON THE ONLY MIDWEST RAIL TERMINAL serving Canada’s Port of Prince Rupert, an increasingly important port for growing Asian markets and on North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) traffic flows.

ATTRACTS INFILL INVESTMENTS from a growth industry that would otherwise go to remote locations, accelerating farmland loss and jobs-housing mismatch.

TACKLES TOUGHEST OBSTACLES TO REDEVELOPMENT: acquisition and assembly of parcels, brownfields cleanup and necessary updates to aging public infrastructure.

LEVERAGES ASSETS UNIQUE TO THE SOUTH SUBURBS: existing intermodal freight terminals and excellent access to rail and interstate highway networks.

PROVIDES A NECESSARY SUPPLEMENT to TIFs and Enterprise Zones in high-poverty areas.

FUNDS PROJECTS IN COORDINATION with existing State Brownfields programs, which are limited to technical assistance and debris removal.

CREATES JOBS BEFORE ANY USE OF STATE FUNDS using state payroll taxes from new logistics or industrial jobs created in the redevelopment zone as a revenue source.

TOTAL AMOUNT CAPPED at $6M/year over 12 years; subject to quarterly DCEO approval of activities.

REIMBURSEMENT OF INVESTMENTS on privately held land prioritizes cost of acquiring/assembling brownfield parcels and brownfield assessments and remediation.

ALLOWS PAYMENT OR REIMBURSEMENT FOR INVESTMENTS in publicly held land (public access roads to brownfield sites or infrastructure).

ALLOWS COOK COUNTY OR A COUNTY AUTHORITY to create or contract for a master redevelopment plan, market sites, and carry out other functions of a limited redevelopment authority, with approval of involved municipalities and DCEO.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT YONINA GRAY | CENTER FOR NEIGHBORHOOD TECHNOLOGY | [email protected] | P: (773) 269-4061 | 2125 W. NORTH AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60647 The Calumet Green Logistics Partnership a subsidiary of the Calumet Green Manufacturing Partnership (CGMP), is a collaborative initiative of business, education, government and community based organizations to develop the skills of the local workforce to meet the labor needs of the Calumet region in order to retain existing employers in the region and attract new and relocating companies.

Logistics Unchained: What Links Are Missing in Your Supply Chain?

Moraine Valley Community , & invite you to a complimentary supply chain breakfast program!

Who should attend: Supply Chain Managers; Distribution, Transportation, Warehousing, Shipping/Receiving, Dispatching Professionals; Business Owners; Educators; and Economic Developers

Date: Thursday March 21, 2013 Time: 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. Location: Moraine Valley Community College Business & Conference Center M Building, Room 2 9000 West College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL 60465

Moderator: Mike Johl, President & CEO of Michael A. Johl, LLC; formerly 37 years with UPS, senior management

Panel Members: Direction of the Industry- Andre Ashmore, Deputy Director, IDOT Supply chain challenges – William Miller Past Board President for WERC; current director of business development, Faure Brothers Corporation Innovative trends – Don Delash, Sales Director, Transportation and Logistics, Datalogic Automation Metrics of the career path –Rebekah Hutton, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC)

Questions: Contact Eda Schrimple, [email protected] 708-974-5714 or Nancy Burrows, [email protected] 708-596-2000, ext. 2556

Register today to learn about trends in the logistics industry, challenges the industry faces, career path metrics and more….

To register, please visit http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZKGR9GR

House WIA Bill Advances National Skills Coalition March 7, 2013

On March 6, the House Committee on Education & the Workforce marked-up its version of WIA reauthorization, the Supporting Knowledge and Investing Lifelong Learning (SKILLS) Act (HR 803), legislation introduced by Rep. Foxx (R-NC), Rep. McKeon (R-CA), and Rep. Heck (R-NV).

Following opening statements, Higher Education and Workforce Training Subcommittee Ranking Member Rep. Hinojosa (D-TX), announced that because committee Republicans had been unresponsive to Democrats’ requests to postpone the mark-up and hold bipartisan Member-to-Member negotiations, they would not participate in the mark-up. All Democratic members then exited the room and did not participate in the votes on the amendments offered or on the underlying bill. Following their exit, Committee Chairman Kline (R-MN) resumed the mark-up, with the remaining Members eventually voting 23-0 to report the bill out of committee.

As originally introduced, HR 803 consolidates 35 existing federal workforce programs – including WIA formula and national programs, Wagner-Peyser Employment Services, SNAP E&T, and others—into a single $6 billion Workforce Investment Fund. In addition, the bill:

Eliminates all current membership requirements for state and local workforce boards, except for certain requirements relating to business and economic development representation, and locally elected officials; Eliminates provisions relating to automatic designation of local workforce areas, allowing state boards to designate local areas in consultation with the governor; Eliminates the requirement that local WIBs give priority for services to low-income individuals; Requires states to set aside up to 25 percent of Workforce Investment Fund dollars to maintain Job Corps as a national program; Authorizes states to develop unified state plans, and consolidate funding for other federal training and social services programs-including funding for TANF, Trade Adjustment Assistance, Community Service Block Grants, and programs under state unemployment compensation laws—into such state plans; Mandates a minimum percentage of local area allocations that must be used for training services; and Sets common performance measures for the Workforce Investment Fund, adult education programs under Title II, and Vocational Rehabilitation programs under Title IV.

Read NSC's recently released in-depth analyses of HR 803 for further details on the bill.

1

During the mark-up, Higher Education and Workforce Training Subcommittee Chair Rep. Foxx (R-NC) offered an amendment in the nature of a substitute that made changes to the bill, including:

Expanding the hold-harmless provision for state and local allocations from 1 year to 3 years; Requiring the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to determine the number of Department of Labor (DOL) employees who work on programs eliminated under the bill, and requiring OMB to reduce the size of its workforce by that number; Eliminating the 21st Century Workforce Commission; Requiring Job Corps Center operators to enact cost-efficiency measures during budget shortfalls and eliminating provision requiring DOL to immediately close low- performing centers and instead establishing a performance improvement system; and Requiring states and local areas to report how much they spend annually on administrative costs.

The amendment was accepted on a voice vote.

During the mark-up, committee members offered three amendments en banc for consideration, all of which were accepted on a voice vote:

An amendment offered by Rep. Walberg (R-MI), to eliminate the requirement for Job Corps operators to reside in the state where its Job Corps center is located; reinstate the Job Corps operator management fee; change the program year start date for Title I programs to October 1; streamline the approval process for State unified plans; and reinstate the provision permitting the use of H-1B visa fees for job training. An amendment offered by Rep. Roby (R-AL), to prevent Workforce Investment Fund grantees from using funds for lobbying and political activities, including: employing a lobbyist or lobbying staff; participating in political or partisan activities; taking public positions on legislation, appropriations, or other measures; and conducting voter registration or providing voters with transportation to the polls. An amendment offered by Rep. Brooks (R-IN) regarding pay for-performance contracting strategies.

Prior to the mark-up, a number of organizations—including National Skills Coalition— weighed in expressing their concerns with HR 803. Unfortunately, the changes made to the bill during the markup did little to improve the bill. As a result, National Skills Coalition opposes the bill as it is currently written.

It is expected that the SKILLS Act will be considered by the full House as early as the week of March 11. NSC will provide updates as additional information becomes available.

2

Support HB 3061 Increase opportunities for hard working, law abiding individuals, to be afforded the chance to provide for themselves and their families.

Sponsors: L. Ford—T. Jones—E. Hernandez—E. Nekritz—K. Cassidy E. Welch, M. Davis, M. Flowers, T. Morrisson, C. Lilly, C. Soto, M. Evans, W. Davis, L. Walsh, G. Harris

The Barriers Faced Why Support HB 3061

The barriers are real for those Each and every day, nearly 3 million men and women in Illinois are being denied with past criminal records: opportunities to decent employment and housing. Current law and practices The percentage of prevent hard working, law abiding individuals the chance to move forward from 74% employers that say a past mistakes. The sealing of old convictions promotes (1) self-sufficiency; (2) non-violent felony makes Illinois safer; and (3) saves Illinois millions. conviction is very influential in their decision NOT to hire. (i) HB 3061 promotes self sufficiency by allowing hardworking men and women to apply for employment and housing they are eligible for but not being con- The percentage of em- sidered because of past mistakes. 65% ployers that WILL NOT hire individuals with HB 3061 makes Illinois safer because access to employment and housing even one criminal conviction of lowers recidivism (see statistics in lower left corner). any kind. (ii) HB 3061 saves Illinois hundreds of millions because lower recidivism equals cost savings. The percentage of What HB 3061 Does 43% landlords that are “inclined” to reject applicants with even one crimi- HB 3061 allows the courts to consider the sealing of criminal records for eight nal conviction. (iii) felony convictions, including theft, retail theft, forgery, deceptive practice, pos- session of stolen motor vehicle, burglary and possession with intent. This is the first expansion since 2005, as only 3 felony convictions have been eligible for re- lief since that time (Class 4 possession of cannabis, prostitution and possession The Cost to the of controlled substance).

Community Denying opportunities Safeguards in the Process decreases safety and costs Illinois millions. Sealing is not automatic or guaranteed! Sealing is only available to those prov- en to be law abiding and deserving of the relief. The sealing of felony convictions 8% Recidivism rates for is only available one time! those with full-time employment after incarcera- Sealing is only available four years after the completion of a person’s last tion. (v) sentence, with no further convictions on their criminal record. Formal, adversarial hearings are held before the court and law enforcement Recidivism rates for 47% those without full is part of the process and allowed to object, both before and after the entry time employment of an order. after incarceration. (v) The court always has the discretion to seal past records. Courts weigh the criminal record against the individual’s rehabilitation in making these deci- The cost of in- sions. $255M carcerating those that Sealed records are always accessible to law enforcement and employers that are reoffend due to lack of employ- allowed to access records by law for public safety reasons: schools, park districts, ment and housing opportuni- ties. (iv) public transportation, health care organization and financial institutions.

HB 3061 is supported by a diverse coalition of Community, Legal and Religious Organizations To become a listed proponent of HB 3061, please email [email protected]

7900 S. Eberhart/Vernon/Rhodes Block Club Association NAACP Illinois State Conference Action Now NAACP Bloomington-Normal Branch Advocacy CDC NAACP Champaign Branch Bethel New Life NAACP Chicago Southside Branch

Black in Green NAACP Chicago Westside Branch Cabrini Green Legal Aid NAACP Evanston Branch Changing Hearts Community Initiative NAACP Far South Suburban Branch Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation (CASSE) NAACP Kankakee Branch Chicago Coalition for the Homeless NAACP Lake County Branch Chicago Jobs Council NAACP Peoria Branch Chicago Legal Aid for Incarcerated Mothers (CLAIM) NAACP Rock Island County Branch Chicago Legal Clinic NAACP Rockford Branch Communities United for Tomorrow (C.U.T.) NAACP Springfield Branch Community Initiative Foundation North Lawndale Employment Network Community Renewal Society Office of the Cook County Public Defender EDEN: Every Domestic Ends Now Protestants for the Common Good ENLACE Chicago Putting America Back to Work Movement The Grassroots Collaborative Real Men of Englewood Green Acres Consulting The Renaissance Collaborative, Inc. Growing Home Institute on Metropolitan Affairs Heartland Alliance—Human Needs & Human Rights Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law Holman Counsel SEIU (Healthcare IL/Indiana) Howard Area Community Center St. Leonard’s Ministries Illinois Commission on the Elimination of Poverty Stand Against One, Inc. Illinois Consortium on Drug Policy Stay Focused Network Illinois Institute for Community Law & Affairs Street Voices Illinois League of Women Voters Supportive Housing Providers Initiative Inmates for Change The Safer Foundation International Profile Federation @ We Care Too Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities (TASC) Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC) United for Better Living John Howard Association Uptown People’s Law Center JUST (DuPage County) West Suburban Jobs Council (30 agencies in DuPage Keepin It Real Street Law Project County) Lake County Coalition to Reduce Recidivism WILEY Resource Center, NFP-Legal Support Program As- Lutheran Social Services of Illinois sociation Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund Williams Youth Services (MALDEF) Woodlawn East Community and Neighbors Men and Women Prison Ministries Youth Voices Against Violence National Alliance for the Empowerment of the Formerly Incarcerated

i. Society for Human Resources Management, Background Checking: Conducting Criminal Background Checks, slide 3, 5, http://slidesha.re/ShdDrr (Data gath- ered after surveying 100’s of nation’s largest employers). ii. Joan Petersilia, U.S. Department of Justice, When Prisoners Return to the Community: Political, Economic, and Social Consequences 3, Sentencing & Correc- tions: Issues for the 21st Century, http://1.usa.gov/PILqFH. iii. Lynn Clark, Landlord Attitudes Toward Renting to Released Offenders, Federal Probation: A Journal of Correctional Philosophy and Practice, Volume 71, Num- ber 1, 1 http://www.uscourts.gov/uscourts/FederalCourts/PPS/Fedprob/2007-06/landlord.html. iv. Illinois Department of Corrections, Annual Report FY 2011: Framework for the Future 6 (2012), http://1.usa.gov/S6bhIW (With Illinois releasing 30,583 indi- viduals from prison in 2011, a 47% recidivism rate, and $21,451/year to imprison). v. Am. Correctional Assoc., 135th Congress of Correction, Presentation by Dr. Art Lurigio (Loyola University), Safer Foundation Recidivism Study (August 8, 2005) (All above variables constant but recidivism rate = $255 million in savings).

Federal Budget Advocacy Next Steps

Participate in the America Believes campaign “Every person is entitled to a fair start in life, access to opportunity, a life of dignity, safety, and well-being.” Customize your message and have your picture taken today! CJC will post on social media and send to the National Transitional Jobs Network to share with Illinois’ Congressional delegation.

Write a Letter-to-the-Editor Example on the reverse side Submit to your local paper or to the Tribune ([email protected] or fax 312-222-2598) or the Sun Times (http://www.suntimes.com/opinions/letters/2397571-474/submit-letters-editor.html) Have a question? Need help getting started? Call/email Andres at CJC ([email protected] or 312-252-0460 x 307)

Share your story with the National Skills Coalition: Here's the info they are looking for: What's already been lost? Workforce programs have already sustained billions in cuts • What have your programs been forced to cut back on? What programs have closed? • How many individuals are no longer being served? • What kind of impact has that had on communities, businesses and unemployment?

What stands to be lost? • What programs are at risk as additional funding cuts take effect? • When will cutbacks and closings likely happen? • How many fewer individuals will receive access to training and education to acquire the skills they need to fill the jobs that are available now?

What has been successful in developing skilled workers? • What strategies and programs have been effective in helping workers to find the skills and employers to find the talent they need?

Here’s an Example of a story shared by Grace Jenkins, President and CEO, National Able Network, Inc.: “On average, individuals spend nearly 40 weeks unemployed. With the assistance of our Workforce Investment Act programs, our clients gain employment on average within 17 weeks. Most simply stated: Workforce programming works, and current and projected funding allocations are grossly disproportionate to the needs of the unemployed and the working poor. At National Able Network, of the 103,000 individuals who come through our doors each year in the Chicago area alone, requesting help, we are only able to enroll and serve 3,700 (4%) with current levels of Workforce Investment Act funding. And the steady decline of funding—for more than a decade and counting—for lifeline programs such as the Workforce Investment Act, the Senior Community Service Employment Program, and the Trade Adjustment Assistance program will only compound the challenges that our clients and communities across the nation face. The urgency of this matter could not be greater: we must sustain and expand these programs for the hundreds of thousands of American who depend on us.”

For more examples, including an interactive map of stories that have been submitted, visit the National Skills Coalition’s website at: www.nationalskillscoalition.org

Email your story to Joshua at NSC: [email protected]

Contact your member of Congress directly: Senator Durbin 202-224-2152 Senator Kirk 202-224-2854 Rep. Bobby Rush (1st District) 202-225-4372 Rep. Mike Quigley (5) 202-225-4061 Rep. Dan Lipinski (3) 202-225-5701 Rep. Danny Davis (7) 202-225-5006 Rep. Luis Gutierrez (4) 202-225-8203 Rep. Jan Schakowsky (9) 202-225-2111

Have a question? Need help getting started? Call/email Carrie at CJC ([email protected] or 312-252-0460 x 309)