Quinn for Illinois

Ten dollar-an-hour jobs could soon be available for more than 15,000 Illinoisans.

That's after the state was awarded federal funds through the stimulus package. The state will contribute 20 percent of the funding for the program.

Michelle Saddler is the state's Secretary of Human Services. She says it won't cost employers a dime to hire new workers. They'll just be asked to train and supervise them.

SADDLER: This in-kind contribution is going to allow us to draw down up to $200 million in federal wage subsidy for a six month temporary jobs program.

Saddler announced the new program with Governor Pat Quinn yesterday.

Participants must be at least 18 years old and have an income below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

The program will cost the state $10 million.