STATEHOUSE (April 24, 2009) - Counties with the highest unemployment rates may benefit after the governor signed a bill into law making monies available to help attract new business.

State Sen. Joe Zakas (R-Granger) said the hard-hit county of Elkhart is eligible and could use the funds to attract new business and promote job growth.

Zakas, co-sponsor of House Enrolled Act 1434, said Indiana counties with unemployment rates 2 percent higher than the state average are eligible for the Business Recruitment Grant Program. Funds for the program allotting nearly $50,000 to $75,000 to Hoosier businesses will be provided by the state and the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

"This program could help provide some of the financial support to recruit new businesses for our community and create new jobs," Zakas said. "As a sponsor of the bill, my hope is that these grants bring positive results for areas in need here in Indiana."

Under the new law, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) will work closely with the local economic development organizations to help generate business growth.

Zakas said as of January 2009, about 25 counties had unemployment rates that exceeded the average state unemployment rate of 9.9 percent by at least 2 percent.

Sen. Zakas represents Senate District 11, which includes portions of St. Joseph and Elkhart counties.

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