Congressman LaHood, Mayor Tendick Discuss Ways ro Help Jaksonville Recover From Loss of EMI Jobs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2004
CONGRESSMAN LAHOOD, MAYOR TENDICK DISCUSS WAYS
TO HELP JACKSONVILLE RECOVER FROM LOSS OF EMI JOBS

(JACKSONVILLE, IL)-Congressman Ray LaHood (R-Peoria) met today with Jacksonville Mayor Ron Tendick to discuss ways to help the community recover from the impending loss of over 400 jobs at the EMI plant in Jacksonville.

LaHood offered to use the full resources of his office to pull together local, state, and federal officials to help displaced workers look for other employment and to assist local officials in attracting new economic opportunities.

"This is a big blow to the EMI workers and their families as well as the entire Jacksonville community," said Congressman LaHood. "These are good jobs and they will be hard to replace, but I am committed to working with Mayor Tendick and other officials to make sure that EMI workers are treated fairly and that we make a real effort to attract new job opportunities to Jacksonville.

"Additionally, I feel strongly that EMI must continue to be a supporter of the community," LaHood added. "To date, EMI has been a good corporate citizen in Jacksonville, and I am confident they will continue in that role. I would be happy to assist in working with EMI officials to make sure they continue to have a presence in the community. I also already contacted federal officials to make sure we have the funds for dislocated workers, job re-training, and economic development. "