State Highlights Additional Funds for Subsidized Employment Programs

ALBANY, NY (07/13/2009)(readMedia)-- The State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) today announced the availability of $39 million in funding to support subsidized jobs programs for low-income New Yorkers. This funding will be used to provide services to the unemployed through three new initiatives - the Green Jobs Corps, the Health Care Jobs Program, and the Transitional Jobs Program.

This funding will allow local departments of social services to provide subsidized employment opportunities, as well as education and training, to public assistance recipients and low-income individuals who are unemployed.

"OTDA is continuing to do all it can to ensure struggling New Yorkers have a better chance of not only getting a job, but developing the skills that allow them to advance in the workforce over time and achieve self-sufficiency," said Kristin Proud, Deputy Director of State Operations, who is overseeing OTDA. "Additionally, we are doing all we can to help workers compete in this new economy, as our Green Jobs Corps and Health Care Jobs Program are helping prepare participants for careers in job sectors that are expected to see continued growth in the future."

Under Governor Paterson's leadership, and with the support of the Legislature, the State Fiscal Year 2009-10 Budget includes $7 million for the Green Jobs Corps, $7 million for the Health Care Jobs Program, and $5 million for the Transitional Jobs Program. By significantly increasing its investment in subsidized employment, the State has qualified for additional federal funding under the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Contingency Fund, bringing total funding for the Transitional Jobs Program to $25 million. Transitional Jobs can last up to 12 months, and wages to participants must be at least $8 per hour.

Participants will be able to earn a paycheck and help provide for their families, while also receiving targeted education and training services to support job retention and career advancement. This funding will be used for programs that provide a combination of employment and education and/or training, so individuals can gain direct work experience plus build their skills to increase their future employment options.

Transitional Jobs Program funding is being distributed to every county in the state. Health Care Jobs Program funding is being provided to the counties of Erie, Monroe, Nassau, Onondaga, Suffolk, Westchester, and New York City. Green Jobs Corps funding will be awarded to counties on a competitive basis this fall.

A list of allocations for the Health Care Jobs Program and the Transitional Jobs Program follows:

Health Care Jobs Program

Transitional Jobs Program

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