IL SB3429

Creates the Workforce Preparation Task Force to study and report on ways to promote economic self-sufficiency of General Assistance program recipients and reduce the number of beneficiaries through sustainable employment skills.

Task Force membership includes appointees from the President and Minority Leader of the Senate, Speaker and Minority Leader of the House, the Governor, Illinois Community College Board, Illinois State Board of Education, and directors of the Department of Employment Security and Department of Human Services.

Requires the Task Force to develop a 5-year plan by January 1, 2015, using existing State resources to reduce General Assistance recipients by one-third through completion of GED certificates, Associate's degrees, or vocational/apprenticeship certificates.

Plan must address the needs of at-risk high school students or drop-outs, individuals not enrolling in traditional post-secondary programs, and teenage mothers, with appropriate timeframes for program completion and benefit discontinuation upon job market entry.

Department of Human Services shall maintain a database tracking the 5-year plan's progress and provide quarterly public updates in electronic and written formats.