Posted: | May 12, 2021 10:01 AM |
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From: | Senator John R. Gordner |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Return to Work Grant Program |
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that establishes the Return to Work Grant program under the Department of Labor and Industry. It is patterned after a proposal being considered in Michigan, as well as a program established in Idaho. As you are aware, most businesses (large, medium or small) across the Commonwealth are struggling to hire staff. This has led many to reduce operating hours or to have existing employees work longer hours and days. At the same time, Pennsylvania’s Unemployment rate is about a point higher than the national average. This bill would take $100 million of the American Rescue Plan funds coming to the Commonwealth and use them to establish a grant program to incentivize people to return to work. Any employee that leaves the unemployment compensation rolls and takes employment for at least 32 hours per week for 4 weeks would become eligible for a $1,000 grant. Under the bill, this process would need to be started by an employee by July 15, 2021 and an application would need to be submitted by August 31, 2021. This legislation would be very beneficial to businesses and workers alike. Please join me in supporting this important legislation. |
Introduced as SB699