Quinn to Keep Temporary Jobs Program Going

Gov. Pat Quinn has pledged another $47 million to keep a temporary jobs program going while the state hopes for more federal money.

The latest infusion of cash is in addition to $75 million Quinn pledged in September to keep the Put Illinois to Work program from ending.

The extension will keep the program going through Jan. 15. Quinn's office says more than 26,000 people have gotten jobs.

The jobs program was a centerpiece of Quinn's campaign in a close election win over Republican state Sen. Bill Brady, who criticized the governor for using state money to keep it going.

The governor's office says the $47 million will come from proceeds of the bond sale of a portion of the state's tobacco settlement money.