Georgia Department of Human Services To Create 20,000 Jobs Using Federal Stimulus Funds

The Georgia Department of Human Services will use more than $160 million in funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act as an incentive for private- and public-sector employers to hire 20,000 Georgians this summer.

We have a unique opportunity to put Georgians back to work, reinvigorate Georgia businesses and spark an economic recovery across our state, said B.J. Walker, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Human Services. While some states are using federal stimulus funds primarily for social services, we will use ours to put Georgians back to work.

The department is offering huge incentives to employers under two programs, TeenWork, which seeks to hire 15,000 teens this summer and Jobs for Georgia, which will provide incentives for employers to hire 5,000 adult workers.

Under the TeenWork program, employers can hire youths aged 14-18 at a 100 percent subsidy paid by the state. Jobs are available June 1 to July 31, and applicants must come from homes earning less than 300 percent of the federal poverty level, or about $66,000 for a family of four.

The Jobs for Georgia program will provide an 80 percent subsidy, with employers paying only 20 percent of the workers' wages. Adult workers must have at least one dependent child and a current household income of less than 300 percent of the federal poverty level.

These jobs will provide opportunities for youths to learn essential new work habits, and will give adults an opportunity to learn new skills, said Commissioner Walker. And it gives employers strong incentives to hire. DHS will also use the federal funds to help families facing one-time emergencies, such as trouble with rent payments, mortgage and utility payments. The department has also set aside funds for child care to ease the path back to employment for working parents. Parents who meet the eligibility guidelines and who are either working (full or part time), in school or a training program or are doing a job search through Department of Labor may qualify to have their childcare paid.

Employers can pledge jobs and prospective employees can apply for jobs at jobsforgeorgia.org, and georgiateenwork.org.

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Statement from Bart van Ark, Chief Economist of The Conference Board on Today's Jobs Report from The U.S. Labor Department

/PRNewswire/ -- Jobs report is disappointing

While today's jobs report shows gains, it's a significant setback following four consecutive months of accelerating growth. The private sector added only 41,000 jobs, as May's employment increase was driven by temporary Census hiring. Continued slower growth would mean we've passed an unprecedented early peak in the rate of employment growth following a recession, which wouldn't be good news for the recovery's strength. Manufacturing jobs gains are at best tepid, and a lack of significant growth in construction, financial services, and information show several sectors aren't yet on the recovery path.

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Community Groups to Receive $1 Billion Boost From Recovery Act Act Provides New Resources for Community Services Block Grant

Georgia is scheduled to receive almost $27 million under this plan.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced April 10 plans to make $1 billion available for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the new resources will be allocated to states across the country. States will distribute the new funding to community groups that help Americans through tough economic times.

"Community organizations across the country are helping millions of Americans put food on the table and weather tough economic times," said HHS Spokesperson Jenny Backus. "The Recovery Act will allow these organizations to help more Americans get back on their feet."

Under the Recovery Act, organizations receiving CSBG funding must use the resources to help get our economy back on track. Funds must be used to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and assist low-income families become self-sufficient. Eligible entities use funds to provide services and activities addressing employment, education, housing, nutrition, and emergency services to combat the central causes of poverty.

Services currently provided by community organizations that receive CSBG funds include:

* Job training and placement assistance.
* Financial literacy programs such as credit counseling.
* Housing assistance programs that help keep Americans in their homes.
* Nutrition programs that provide meals for vulnerable families.
* Community agencies that bring public and private resources together to assist families in need.

"With unemployment rates at a 25-year high, American workers need help now more than ever," added Backus. "Community groups will have the resources they need to continue to strengthen cities and towns across America."

The $1 billion in new funds under the Recovery Act is in addition to CSBG's regular annual operating budget of approximately $700 million. To see a state-by-state description of CSBG Recovery Act funding visit http://www.hhs.gov/recovery/programs/acf/csbgmap.html

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White House Releases State by State Numbers; American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to Save or Create 106,000 Georgia Jobs

According to the White House, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will only create or save an estimated 106,000 jobs in Georgia over the next two years.

The White House recently released state-specific details on the local impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a nationwide effort to create jobs, jumpstart growth and transform our economy to compete in the 21st century. The compromise package of $789 billion will create or save 3.5 million jobs over the next two years. Jobs created will be in a range of industries from clean energy to health care, with over 90% in the private sector.

The estimates are derived from an analysis of the overall employment impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act conducted by Christina Romer, Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, and Jared Bernstein, Chief Economist for the Vice President, and detailed estimates of the working age population, employment, and industrial composition of each state.

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