Relating to: study of guaranteed employment grant program and making an appropriation. (FE)

This bill directs the Department of Workforce Development to study the feasibility of creating a grant program that funds guaranteed jobs in the care economy, such as healthcare, child care, and public infrastructure. The proposed program would provide grants to public and nonprofit entities to offer positions lasting at least 100 days at a rate of $20 per hour, with eligibility restricted to specific groups including young adults, people with disabilities, low-income households, long-term unemployed individuals, and formerly incarcerated people. The study must analyze the number of jobs needed, associated costs, training strategies, and pathways to full-time employment, with results reported to the governor and legislature within 18 months. To support this research, the bill appropriates an additional $250,000 from the state's fiscal year 2023-24 budget for the Department of Workforce Development.