Lt. Governor Simon encourages displaced workers to use JobLink

SPRINGFIELD – An advocate for Illinois’ defense communities, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon said she is disappointed in a new round of layoffs at Scott Air Force Base, but she encouraged the affected civilians to use a state jobs database to find new employment.            

In total, 351 civilian positions have been eliminated at Scott Air Force Base between November and January. Of these positions, 128 were already vacant and 49 employees opted to voluntarily separate or retire early. This leaves 174 displaced workers.            

“Scott Air Force Base is a vital economic player in the Metro East region,” Simon said, noting a recent study pegged the base’s regional economic impact at $3 billion annually, up from $2.1 billion in 2001. “When I spoke with Col. Hornitschek, the commander of the 375th Air Mobility Wing, today, I pledged to work with him and state agencies to get these displaced workers back on the job.”            

Simon recommended employers and employees to connect on Illinois JobLink, a jobs database maintained through the Illinois Department of Employment Security. The database aggregates job postings from nationwide websites, small businesses, and companies across the state.            

The JobLink allows employers, from large and small businesses alike, to post openings for free, and job seekers can access postings and contact employers at no cost. The database can be accessed at https://illinoisjoblink.illinois.gov.                

As chair of the Interagency Military Base Support and Economic Development Committee (IMBSEDC), Simon makes recommendations to local, state and federal policymakers on retention, realignment, and reuse efforts at Illinois military installations and advocates for military families and defense communities.