Long Term Jobless Program Ends in Illinois

Illinois' dropping unemployment rate will trigger the end of a federal program for the state’s long-term jobless. The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the Extended Benefit program ends May 12th. The program pays 20 weeks of benefits to anyone unemployed beyond 79 weeks. Department spokesman Greg Rivara says the program started paying benefits in Illinois in 2009 because of high unemployment, but the recent fall below 9 percent triggered its end. Officials urge anyone without a job to visit the Illinois JobLink website. It has postings for more than 90,000 job openings.