A Bill To Establish the Employment Transition & Temporary Work Program, which ties unemployment benefits to temporary employment opportunities in the recipient’s desired field, with the goal of supporting both unemployed individuals and employers while reducing government expenditures.
Section 1: Short Title
This Act may be cited as the “Employment Transition & Temporary Work Program Act of [Year].”
Section 2: Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to create a program that:
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Provides unemployed individuals with temporary employment opportunities directly tied to the field or industry in which they are seeking full-time employment.
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Creates incentives for employers to engage in the program by providing them with financial assistance for hosting temporary workers.
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Reduces the overall burden on the federal government by incentivizing the unemployed to engage in active work while receiving unemployment benefits, thereby decreasing the overall cost of unemployment assistance.
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Bridges the gap between unemployment and permanent employment by providing real-world experience in the desired field, enhancing employability, and aiding in workforce re-entry.
Section 3: Establishment of Employment Transition & Temporary Work Program
(a) Program Overview
The Secretary of Labor, in coordination with relevant state and local workforce agencies, shall establish and administer a program that matches unemployment benefit recipients with temporary work opportunities in their desired field or industry.
(b) Eligibility
To be eligible for participation in the Employment Transition & Temporary Work Program, an individual must:
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Be currently receiving unemployment benefits under the Federal-State Unemployment Insurance Program.
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Demonstrate a clear and reasonable intent to pursue employment within a specific field or occupation, as documented in a career plan submitted to a workforce development agency.
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Meet the qualifications set by the temporary work provider for the position.
(c) Temporary Employment Placement
Once eligible, participants will be connected with temporary positions that align with their field of interest. These positions may be either part-time or full-time, and will last no longer than 12 months per employer, with a possibility of an extension based on mutual agreement and employer needs.
Section 4: Employer Participation
(a) Employer Incentives
Employers who participate in the program by offering temporary work positions to unemployment recipients will be eligible for financial incentives, including:
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Wage Subsidy – The federal government will provide a wage subsidy to employers covering 50% of the wage for the first six months of employment. After six months, the subsidy decreases to 30% of the wage for the remaining duration of the temporary employment.
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On-the-Job Training Credit – Employers who provide significant on-the-job training to the temporary workers will receive additional tax credits, to be determined based on the nature and extent of the training offered.
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Reduced Employer Tax Contributions – Employers participating in the program may qualify for a temporary reduction in unemployment insurance contributions, easing the burden of hiring temporary workers.
(b) Employer Requirements
In return, employers must:
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Provide a safe, inclusive, and non-discriminatory work environment.
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Ensure that the temporary position directly relates to the participant’s career goals and is aligned with their professional development plan.
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At the conclusion of the temporary employment period, employers will have the option to hire the participant for permanent, full-time work if the individual has met performance expectations and both parties agree to the transition.
Section 5: Program Administration & Funding
(a) Program Oversight
The Secretary of Labor shall oversee the administration of the Employment Transition & Temporary Work Program, including:
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Development of participant application processes, employer outreach, and partnership strategies.
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Coordination with state workforce agencies for the tracking and placement of participants.
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Establishment of reporting requirements for both participants and employers.
(b) Funding for Wage Subsidies and Employer Incentives
The Employment Transition & Temporary Work Program shall be funded through the appropriation of funds allocated to the Department of Labor, with additional funding as may be necessary to meet program demands. Funds for the program will be distributed as follows:
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Wage subsidies will be paid directly to employers upon verification of temporary worker placement and wage eligibility.
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Employer training credits and other incentives will be distributed in accordance with program guidelines established by the Secretary of Labor.
(c) Program Evaluation and Reporting
The Secretary of Labor shall submit an annual report to Congress on the effectiveness of the Employment Transition & Temporary Work Program, including:
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The number of participants in the program.
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The percentage of participants who transition to permanent employment after completing the program.
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The financial savings to the government as a result of the program.
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Employer feedback on the program and any recommended improvements.
Section 6: Protection of Workers
(a) Worker Rights
Participants in the Employment Transition & Temporary Work Program shall retain all rights and protections under applicable labor laws, including but not limited to:
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Minimum wage protections.
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Occupational safety and health standards.
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Anti-discrimination protections.
(b) Impact on Unemployment Benefits
Unemployment benefits for participants will not be reduced during the temporary employment placement period. However, benefits will be terminated if the participant is offered permanent employment by the temporary employer or voluntarily exits the program.
Section 7: Effective Date
This Act shall take effect 90 days after enactment, with the Secretary of Labor required to establish the program within one year of enactment.
Section 8: Severability
If any provision of this Act is found to be unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, the remainder of the Act shall remain in effect.
End of Bill
This bill aims to facilitate the smooth transition of unemployment recipients into the workforce, benefiting both the workers and employers while providing a cost-effective solution to unemployment benefit expenditures.