CO SB292

State Department of Human Services shall develop the Employment Opportunities with Wages Program by October 1, 2017, in coordination with counties, workforce centers, and community-based organizations to help Colorado Works recipients attain living-wage permanent jobs through subsidized employment, apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and transitional jobs.

Program enrollment begins no later than January 1, 2018, and ceases operating on June 30, 2020, with wages earned by participants excluded from Colorado Works income calculations and eligibility determinations.

Eligible applicants include county human services departments, workforce centers, and community-based organizations; community-based organizations must demonstrate collaboration with county departments and provide letters of support to apply.

Executive Director may use up to 2.5 percent of annual program funds to contract with an independent entity to evaluate participant outcomes in gaining permanent employment, achieving new skills and credentials, and filling high-shortage jobs, with final evaluation due October 1, 2020.

$4,000,000 appropriated for 2017-18 fiscal year from federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant funds; program expires September 1, 2021, with annual reports to legislative committees due October 15, 2018, 2019, and final report due October 15, 2020.