Connecting Youth to Jobs Act
This bill requires the Department of Labor to provide temporary funding to states and local areas and grants to eligible entities to assist in carrying out subsidized public employment programs for youth with barriers to employment or who are recipients of public assistance but not receiving it. In the case of grants, priority must be given to eligible entities that serve particular youth with a barrier to employment, youth of color, opportunity youth or out-of-school youth, low-income youth, and youth impacted by the juvenile or adult criminal justice systems.
The Government Accountability Office must evaluate and report on the activities funded by this bill.
The bill excludes from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program income eligibility requirements income earned by a household member who is less than 22 years of age, is an elementary or secondary school student, and lives with a natural, adoptive, or stepparent.
[Congressional Bills 116th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 8689 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
116th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 8689
To award funds to States and local areas for public, subsidized
employment programs for youth.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
October 27, 2020
Ms. Fudge (for herself and Ms. Kaptur) introduced the following bill;
which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in
addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be
subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration
of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee
concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To award funds to States and local areas for public, subsidized
employment programs for youth.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Connecting Youth to Jobs Act''.
SEC. 2. PURPOSE.
During periods which the national rate of youth unemployment is
above the full youth employment rate and in excess of the overall
national rate, as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or
during a qualifying emergency or economic recession (as determined by
the Chairman of the Federal Reserve), it is the purpose of this Act to
provide--
(1) youth public subsidized employment to assist in State
and local improvement activities, including public works, the
arts, and community development; and
(2) additional and continual funding that is targeted to
high poverty areas with historically high youth unemployment
rates, particularly high minority youth unemployment rates, for
the purpose of creating such employment opportunities.
SEC. 3. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Qualifying emergency.--The term ``qualifying
emergency'' means--
(A) a public health emergency declared by the
Secretary of Health and Human Services pursuant to
section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C.
247d);
(B) an event for which the President declared a
major disaster or an emergency under section 401 or
501, respectively, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster
Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 and
5191); or
(C) a national emergency declared by the President
under section 201 of the National Emergencies Act (50
U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).
(2) ESEA terms.--The terms ``local educational agency'' and
``State educational agency'' have the meanings given the terms
in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act
of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 7801).
(3) High-poverty area.--The term ``high-poverty area''
means a census tract with a youth poverty rate of at least 20
percent during the most recent 5 consecutive years.
(4) Historically high youth unemployment levels.--The term
``historically high youth unemployment levels'' means any local
area with a youth unemployment rate of at least 10 percent, as
measured over the most recent decennial censuses, or by the
Bureau of Labor Statistics for the most recent 5-year period
for which data are available.
(5) Institution of higher education.--The term
``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given the
term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001).
(6) Public education entity.--The term ``public education
entities'' includes--
(A) a local educational agency;
(B) a State educational agency; or
(C) a public institution of higher education.
(7) Registered apprenticeship program.--The term
``registered apprenticeship programs'' means an apprenticeship
program registered under the Act of August 16, 1937 (commonly
known as the ``National Apprenticeship Act''; 50 Stat. 664,
chapter 663; 29 U.S.C. 50 et seq.), including any requirement,
standard, or rule promulgated under such Act, as such
requirement, standard, or rule was in effect on December 30,
2019.
(8) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Labor.
(9) Work-based learning.--The term ``work-based learning''
as the meaning given in section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career
and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302).
(10) WIOA terms.--The terms ``in-demand industry sector or
occupation'', ``individual with a barrier to employment'',
``in-school youth'', ``local area'', ``local board'', ``out-of-
school youth'', ``outlying area'', ``recognized postsecondary
credential'', ``supportive services'', ``State'', ``State
board'', and ``unit of general local government'' have the
meanings given the terms in section 3 of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
TITLE I--YOUTH PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
SEC. 101. FORMULA GRANTS TO STATES AND LOCAL AREAS.
(a) Funding Allotments and Allocations.--
(1) State allotments.--For each fiscal year during a period
described in section 2, to assist States and outlying areas,
and to enable States and outlying areas to assist local areas,
in carrying out subsidized public employment programs described
in subsection (b) for eligible youth, from the funds
appropriated under section 103(1), the Secretary of Labor
shall--
(A) make an allotment in accordance with section
127(b)(1)(C)(ii) of the Workforce Innovation and
Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3162(b)(1)(C)(ii)) to each
State that meets the requirements of section 102 or 103
of such Act (29 U.S.C. 3112, 3113); and
(B) award a grant to each outlying area that
complies with the requirements of title I of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3101 et seq.) to carry out subsidized youth public
employment programs for eligible individuals.
(2) Within state allocations.--
(A) Statewide activities.--Each State shall reserve
25 percent of the allotment received under paragraph
(1)(A) to carry out statewide subsidized public
employment programs described in subsection (b).
(B) Allocations to local areas.--A Governor of a
State that receives an allotment under paragraph (1),
in coordination with relevant State and local
stakeholders, shall use any remaining amounts (after
reserving funds under subparagraph (A)), to allocate
funds to local areas, as long as not less than 65
percent of such remaining amount is allocated to--
(i) high-poverty local areas with the
highest youth unemployment rate compared to
other local areas in the State; and
(ii) local areas with historically high
levels of youth unemployment within the State.
(b) Uses of Funds.--
(1) Subsidized public employment programs.--
(A) In general.--Funds allotted to States for
statewide programs, and funds allocated to local areas
under subsection (a), shall be used to carry out
subsidized public employment programs described in
paragraph (3) that--
(i) lead to unsubsidized, full-time
employment; or
(ii) provide the necessary skills and
competency attainment of at least 1 recognized
postsecondary credential to further the
education or career of youth participants.
(2) Funding allocations.--Of the funds described in
paragraph (1):
(A) Not less than 60 percent of the funds for
program year 2021 shall be used for wages and
employment benefits to individuals employed in
subsidized public employment programs funded under this
section.
(B) Not less than 30 percent of the funds for
program year 2021, and not less than 20 percent of such
funds for any program year thereafter, shall be used to
provide career services described in section 134(c)(2)
of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act,
training services, or youth workforce investment
activities.
(C) Any remaining funds may be used for
administrative and other allowable costs (such as
supplies, materials, equipment, and health and safety
resources) incurred by the State or local area, as
determined by the Secretary.
(3) Conditions.--Except as otherwise determined by the
Secretary, the following conditions shall apply to each
subsidized public employment program funded under this section:
(A) Only youth residing within the State or local
area providing funding for the program shall be
employed by such program, and the public services
provided under such program, to the extent feasible,
shall be designed to benefit the residents of such
State or local area.
(B) Priority in filling jobs available under such
program shall be given to--
(i) eligible youth who is an individual
with a barrier to employment (including youth
of color, opportunity youth or out-of-school
youth, low-income youth, youth impacted by the
juvenile or adult criminal justice systems, and
underemployed youth); and
(ii) eligible youth who are recipients of
public assistance (or from a family receiving
such assistance) or who are eligible for public
assistance (or from a family eligible for such
public assistance) but not receiving such
assistance.
(C) Each individual employed under such program
shall be a wage, which shall at least be the highest of
the following:
(i) $12 an hour.
(ii) The minimum wage under the applicable
State or local minimum wage law.
(iii) The prevailing rates of pay for
individuals employed in similar occupations by
the same employer.
(iv) The minimum wage according to the
amendments made to section 6 of the Fair Labor
Standards Act of 1938, as proposed by H.R. 582
(116th Congress).
(D) With respect to a wage determined under
subparagraph (C), the Secretary may promulgate
regulations to increase such wage after consideration
of industry, geographical region, skill requirements,
and individual proficiency.
(E) An individual may self-attest to meeting the
requirements to be an eligible youth, or to receive
priority consideration under subparagraph (B), and
verification of such eligibility may occur after the
individual is employed under the program.
(F) Earnings from such program shall not be
regarded as income and shall not be regarded as a
resource for the month of receipt and the following 12
months, for purposes of determining the eligibility of
the participant (or the participant's spouse or family)
for benefits or assistance, or the amount or extent of
benefits or assistance, under any Federal program or
under any State or local program financed in whole or
in part with Federal funds.
(G) Such program shall coordinate with the
workforce systems and activities promoted by the State
or local board to connect eligible youth to educational
or career opportunities.
(H) Such program shall establish or expand
diversity and inclusion opportunities and collect
disaggregated data on related efforts.
(c) Eligibility.--To be an eligible youth, an individual shall be
an in-school youth or an out-of-school youth.
SEC. 102. COMPETITIVE GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE ENTITIES.
(a) In General.--From the amounts appropriated under section
103(2), the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to
eligible entities for activities described in subsection (e).
(b) Priority.--In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary
shall give priority to eligible entities that serve eligible youth who
are individuals with a barrier to employment, youth of color,
opportunity youth or out-of-school youth, low-income youth, and youth
impacted by the juvenile or adult criminal justice systems.
(c) Requirements on Uses of Funds.--In awarding funds under this
section the Secretary shall ensure the following:
(1) Direct financial assistance.--Not less than 40 percent
of such funds are used to provide direct financial assistance
to eligible youth described in section 101(c) to support such
youth with financial needs with respect to entering, remaining
enrolled in, and completing a subsidized public employment
program described in section 101(b) (including related costs of
training, supplies, food and nutrition, housing,
transportation, child care, mental health and substance abuse
services, payment of fines, or other targeted costs determined
allowable by the Secretary).
(2) In-demand industry sectors or occupations.--Not less
than 40 percent of such funds are used to connect eligible
youth described in section 101(c) to employers for in-demand
industry sectors or occupations, work-based learning
opportunities, registered apprenticeship programs, or to
reconnect to a public education entity.
(3) Diversity and inclusion activities.-- Not less than 10
percent of such funds are used for promoting, creating, or
expanding diversity and inclusion activities for the purposes
of diversifying workforce systems.
(d) Eligible Entity Defined.--
(1) In general.--An eligible entity means an entity that
the Secretary determines to serve a high number or high
percentage of eligible youth who are employed in a subsidized
public employment programs described in section 101(b) and who
are from underrepresented populations.
(2) Inclusions.--An eligible entity includes--
(A) a community-based organization;
(B) a State and unit of general local government in
a partnership with a community-based organization;
(C) a partnership among States and units of general
local government, community-based organizations, public
education entities, registered apprenticeships, and
employers from in-demand industry sectors or
occupations;
(D) a partnership among community-based
organizations and juvenile and adult correctional
facilities; or
(E) a labor organization or joint labor-management
organization.
(e) Uses of Funds.--An eligible entity that receives a grant under
this section--
(1) shall use the grant to match eligible youth to
subsidized public employment programs funded under title I, and
provide hands-on work experience that does not supplant the
work of existing employees; and
(2) may use a grant received under this section to carry
out 1 or more of the following:
(A) Establish or expand diversity and inclusion
opportunities and collect disaggregated data on related
efforts.
(B) Provide (directly or through partnerships)
technical assistance and supportive services to
eligible youth and their families to help navigate
supportive services and other Federal and State
assistance programs to support the recruitment,
retention, and completion of a program funded under
title I.
(C) Coordinate partnerships with programs funded
under title I to connect eligible youth to educational
or career opportunities, including to employers for in-
demand industry sectors or occupations, work-based
learning opportunities, registered apprenticeship
programs, or to reconnect to a public education entity.
(D) Form comprehensive youth service delivery
systems to improve education and employment outcomes
for youth and to strategically connect local sectors,
systems, and resources by strategically coordinating
resources and public, private, and nonprofit funding to
create youth pathways to further the education, skills,
and access to jobs and successful careers, by--
(i) conducting and improving outreach to
underrepresented youth and families with
respect to the programs funded under section
101;
(ii) making appropriate use of existing
education, child welfare, social services, and
workforce development data collection systems
to facilitate the entity's ability to recruit
youth participants; and
(iii) developing wide-ranging higher
education or employment pathways for youth.
(E) Assist in the transition between subsidized
youth public employment programs and unsubsidized
employment or education.
(F) In the case of an eligible entity described in
subsection (d)(2)(D), assist in the transition from
incarceration with the goal of reducing rates of
recidivism and ensuring incarcerated youth and formerly
incarcerated youth have access to employment and
educational opportunities.
SEC. 103. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
There are authorized to be appropriated--
(1) $30,000,000,000 to carry out section 101; and
(2) $10,000,000,000 to carry out section 102, of which 5
percent may be used by the Secretary to the build capacity to
carry out such section.
SEC. 104. PERFORMANCE EVALUATION, DATA COLLECTION, AND ACCOUNTABILITY.
(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the first grant is
awarded under section 101, and annually thereafter, each program funded
under section 101 shall be evaluated by the State board of the State
receiving an allotment under section 101 to carry out such program or
the local board of the local area receiving an allocation under section
101 to carry out such program.
(b) Performance Data Collection.--The Secretary of Labor shall
collect data on--
(1) the performance of each program using the disaggregated
indicators of performance in section 116(b)(2)(A)(i) of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C.
3141(b)(2)(A)(i));
(2) the completion rates of the program;
(3) the rate of full-time unsubsidized employment after
program completion;
(4) the rate of reconnection to public education entities
after program completion; and
(5) the diversity and equal opportunity in such programs.
(c) Accountability Metrics.--The Secretary shall establish a youth
work-readiness indicator.
SEC. 105. REPORT TO CONGRESS.
Not later than December 31, 2024, and annually thereafter, the
Secretary of Labor shall submit a publicly available report to the
Committee on Education and Labor of the House of Representatives and
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate
that includes--
(1) a review and assessment of all information related to
the programs funded under this Act;
(2) any relevant guidance issued by the Secretary with
respect to such programs; and
(3) an analysis of equity, diversity, and inclusion
activities, best practices, and recommendations for improvement
with respect to increasing the success of such programs and
outcomes for youth, and participant demographics (while
maintaining privacy protections), disaggregated by race,
ethnicity, sex, age, and subpopulations described in
subparagraphs (B) and (C) of section 129(a)(1) of the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act.
TITLE II--GAO REPORT
SEC. 201. GAO REPORT.
(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the
published report in section 105, and every 4 years thereafter, the
Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct an independent
evaluation of the activities funded under this Act and submit to
Congress a report that shall be made publicly available.
(b) Evaluation.--In conducting the evaluation under subsection (a),
the Comptroller General shall consider, as applicable and appropriate,
information from the report under section 105.
(c) Report.--The report described in subsection (a) shall review,
assess, and provide recommendations, as appropriate, on the following:
(1) Compliance with the requirements established under this
Act.
(2) The effectiveness of the requirements established under
this Act, associated challenges, and trends in the youth
progress made toward the goals described in section
101(b)(1)(A).
(3) Federal guidance, best practices, and funding
recommendations for related Federal youth employment activities
and any innovative State and local actions that improve or
further the education or career of youth participants,
including employment opportunities that lead to long-term,
unsubsidized employment.
TITLE III--YOUTH STUDENT INCOME EXCLUSION UNDER THE SUPPLEMENTAL
NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
SEC. 301. YOUTH STUDENT INCOME EXCLUDED UNDER THE FOOD AND NUTRITION
ACT OF 2008.
Section 5(d)(7) of the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C.
2014(d)(7)) is amended by inserting before the semicolon at the end the
following:
``and income earned by a household member who is less than 22
years of age, who is an elementary or secondary school student,
and who lives with a natural, adoptive, or stepparent''.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to the Committee on Education and Labor, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
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