WELFARE TO WORK ACT

Creates the Welfare to Work Act which places qualified welfare recipients in State jobs or jobs contracted out by the State. Provides that State agencies shall provide the Department of Human Services a job announcement simultaneously with posting its positions or putting a position out for hire by contract, except for those positions subject to recall by laid-off employees, or those otherwise exempt. The Department shall review positions, make eligibility determinations, recruit and screen potential employees, and refer aid recipients to apply for positions listed in job announcements. Employers shall make all employment decisions based on merit, with not less than 5% of the hours worked on a State contract meeting certain specifications being worked by qualified aid recipients, with some exceptions. Employment terms and conditions shall be the same as for any other member of the employer's workforce doing the same or similar work. Provides for reports regarding hiring practices under this Act to be submitted to the General Assembly, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Human Services. Amends the Personnel Code and the Illinois Procurement Code to make changes in conformance with this Act. Effective immediately.