IL SB0813

Changes the County Cooperative Extension Law to make the Rural Transition Program optional rather than mandatory for the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service (changes "shall" to "may").

Program provides assessments, career counseling, on-the-job training, tuition reimbursements, classroom training, financial management training, job placement, and support services to eligible individuals and businesses.

Eligible beneficiaries include farmers and families facing financial stress, foreclosure, or bankruptcy; agriculture-related employees facing displacement; rural residents with reduced employment or living standards; and small rural businesses in rural areas lacking access to other services.

Program operates in cooperation with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and may partner with community colleges, vocational schools, and other state and local agencies.

Targets individuals affected by poor economic conditions in the agricultural and rural economy.