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May 18, 2026
Contractors on public works may soon have to hire 90% of their workforce from Illinois
Contractors may soon have to meet a 90%-Illinois-worker standard on public works projects if Illinois’ unemployment rate remains excessively high.
Per the Employment of Illinois Workers on Public Works Act, contractors on public works must hire 90% of their workers from Illinois when unemployment in Illinois exceeds 5% for two consecutive months.
Per the recent unemployment statistics, Illinois’ unemployment rate in March was 5.1%. If the state’s April unemployment rate exceeds 5%, the mandate will kick in.
Contractors on public works who fail to ensure that 90% of their workforce is from Illinois could face civil penalties and lawsuits.
In March, Illinois had one of the highest unemployment rates in the U.S. and the highest in the Midwest.
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