- Introduced -

SB 823 - This act establishes the Missouri Works Program to provide community service jobs to welfare recipients to help them prepare for permanent unsubsidized employment.

Currently, Section 208.071, RSMo, requires the Department of Social Services to make individual assessments of certain public assistance recipients. New language states that, upon assessment, the Department should develop a self-sufficiency pact with the recipient. If recipients face barriers to participation in work activities, they will be required to participate in activities appropriate to their circumstances. Such individuals will receive temporary assistance from state maintenance of effort funds instead of federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits during their participation.

A new Section 208.326 creates the Missouri Works program. The program must provide jobs to 1000 TANF recipients per month, divided among at least three pilot sites throughout the state. The Department must contract with not-for-profit agencies who will help participants in their job-seeking efforts and may give preference to communities offering local funds for the program.

Program participants must work at least twenty hours per week for up to one year at minimum wage or above. Participants will also receive a monthly stipend of $90 for work-related expenses and will receive TANF subsidized child care. The participant may also be eligible for certain TANF grants, depending on wages. If funding is available, the Department shall allow bonus payments to participants who obtain unsubsidized employment after completion of the program.

ERIN MOTLEY