The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 Michael L. Thurmond, Commissioner Georgia Department of Labor

GDOL Programs Receiving ARRA Funds Unemployment Insurance Workforce Investment Act Wagner-Peyser (Employment Services) Work Opportunity Tax Credit Vocational Rehabilitation

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) ARRA Funding More than $60 M available to the 20 Local Workforce Investment Boards to provide services to: – Adults – Dislocated Workers – Youth

WIA Adult & Dislocated Worker Services Opportunity to enroll more individuals in WIA- funded training Emphasis on low-income adults, recipients of public assistance and dislocated workers Additional financial support for completing training

WIA Youth Services through ARRA Emphasis on youth Summer Employment program Georgia’s STEP UP program for summer 2009 Goal is to serve several thousand youth throughout state Apply through local Workforce Investment Board

Who is Eligible for Youth Programs? Low income youth (age for ARRA) with at least one additional challenge: – School dropout – Basic literacy skills deficient – Homeless, runaway or foster child – Pregnant or parenting – Offender – Needs assistance to complete an educational program

ARRA Reemployment Services Expanded services to Unemployment Insurance claimants and other job seekers: – More self-service options – Career assessment tools – Career expos and training fairs – Additional transition centers

Work Opportunity Tax Credit Federal tax credit for employers hiring individuals from various groups, including: – TANF recipients – Qualified Food Stamp recipients – Youth in Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities – Low income or disabled veterans – Vocational Rehabilitation clients – Recipients of SSI

Additional WOTC Groups Under ARRA Unemployed Veterans “Disconnected Youth” – ages who have been out of school or unemployed for at least six months Applies to individuals hired in 2009 and 2010 only.

Types of Jobs Created Through ARRA Transportation (public transportation, roads and bridges) Energy – green jobs Construction Expansion of schools and health care facilities Health care Law enforcement

For Additional Information National ARRA website: GDOL website: Local Workforce Investment Areas: see list GDOL Career Centers: see list Susan Duffin, Interdivisional Liaison (404) ,