NY Governor Paterson on Employment Program Funding

Grants Will Expand Access to On-the-Job Work Experience and Training

June 19, 2009 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today announced $14 million in grants to support and expand subsidized jobs programs throughout the State. The Wage Subsidy Program (WSP) and Transitional Employment (TE) Program help to place public assistance recipients and other low-income individuals into jobs and provide a much-needed boost to the local businesses that hire them.

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“By leveraging federal dollars to dramatically increase funding for job programs throughout the State, we are opening up opportunities for individuals and supporting economic security for some of New York’s most vulnerable families,” said Governor Paterson. “The Department of Labor released staggering unemployment numbers yesterday, which serve as a clear reminder that programs like these provide a critical service. It is our obligation to act and ensure all New Yorkers have the skills and opportunities to work, leading us down a path towards recovery.”

Under Governor Paterson’s leadership, WSP and TE will receive an additional $10 million over the 2008-09 budget allocation. The additional subsidy comes from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding. The additional allocation is in keeping with Governor Paterson’s commitment to increase the economic security of low-income families.

Approximately $9.4 million of the new funding will be used to increase the service capacity of existing programs while $4.6 million will be used to extend the programs to other geographic areas around the State. The total funding of $18 million covers services over a two-year period.

WSP grant recipients will use the funds to recruit and enroll participants, develop jobs with employers and provide ongoing services to ensure successful entry into unsubsidized employment. The TE Program funding will help place individuals in time-limited jobs that allow them to acquire skills and begin to establish an employment record that will make them more competitive in their search for permanent employment.

Commissioner of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance David A. Hansell: “The economic downturn has made it harder than ever before for job seekers at the lower end of the economic ladder to find and retain a job. The programs funded through this allocation will provide new job opportunities for these workers, and bring sorely-needed payroll dollars into communities that are in need of the infusion.”

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said: “With difficult economic times and a changing labor market, job training programs are becoming more and more critical. This funding will ensure that workers are well prepared to meet the demands of prospective employers and ready to take advantage of openings in new industries so they can get back to work as fast as possible.”

U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand said: “During these tough economic times, it is critical that we invest in our workforce. These federal dollars will go a long way to help train our workers with the skills needed to take advantage of new opportunities. I will continue to work with Senator Schumer and our Congressional Delegation to make sure New York gets it’s our fair share from the federal government.”

Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Chair of the Senate Committee on Children and Families, said: “This funding boost is needed to help more New Yorkers obtain living-wage jobs and stimulate local economies across our State.”

Source: New York Governor