(CHICAGO) Millions of dollars in food assistance benefits have been stolen in Illinois by fraudsters using skimming devices. WGN-TV reports $3.5 million was stolen from the SNAP program in just three months, this past April 1st to June 30th. But, the latest numbers show that a total of $8.1 million has been stolen from Illinois’ program in less than a year. The state will soon be part of a pilot program to replace LINK cards with a mobile pay option.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois state government has started a two & a half year pilot program to help unhoused people find jobs. With a planning phase of up to six months, followed by an 18-month implementation plan, funding for the program comes from the general funds in the state budget, most all of which will include employment and economic grants.
(SPRINGFIELD) Illinois Department of Motor Vehicle locations now allow drivers to pay for services with their phones. The introduction of contactless payment is the start of an effort to accommodate the move from physical to digital payment and services. The Illinois Secretary of State’s Office says the change will take effect inside all 150 DMV facilities around the state, which will accept Apply Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. Go to the Secretary of State’s website for more details and information, at ilsos.gov.
(SPRINGFIELD) This is Farm Safety & Health Week in Illinois and nationwide, with a theme of “Don’t Learn Safety by Accident” marking the 80th year for the annual observance. In recognition of farm safety, the Illinois Department of Agriculture has partnered with the State Departments of Transportation & Labor to encourage all farmers and farm-related workers to follow safety precautions, not only during this week, but throughout the 2024 fall harvest season. The agriculture sector is the most dangerous in America with more than 500 fatalities nationwide every year. To learn more, go to the necasag.org website.