Public Aid Pilot Program

In State legislation that could impact the county, the News-Gazette pointed out a pilot program for public aid that would allow people locally to more gradually transition off benefits instead of the normal thresholds and cutoffs. From today's blurb:

Carle-initiated bill to help those working while on public aid heads to Rauner
A five-year, privately funded pilot program that would allow hundreds of people to hang onto their public assistance temporarily while they're working to get back on their feet is on its way to Gov. Bruce Rauner's desk.

The bill (SB3232) was sponsored by state Sen. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, and initiated by the Carle health system to help fight poverty in the area. Carle also partnered with state Sen. Scott Bennett, D-Champaign, state Rep. Chad Hays, R-Catlin, and state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, to get the measure passed.

It was approved by the Senate last month and passed the House on Monday.

The pilot program is intended to help boost financial self-sufficiency among 500 future entry-level Carle employees also participating in Carle's job-readiness and learning program. Some may also be participating in Carle's healthy-beginnings program.

Participants would be able to work and earn incremental pay increases, and for three years, their income would be disregarded by the state for the purpose of determining their continued eligibility in public-assistance programs.

A few more details and quotes at the full blurb here.