SCS/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 requires the Department to develop a self-sufficiency pact with the recipient. If recipients face barriers to participation, they will participate in work activities appropriate to their circumstances. These individuals will also have their child support cases reviewed for the possibility of locating non-paying parents. The Division of Child Support Enforcement must provide information and assistance to both parents. Individuals with work participation barriers will receive temporary assistance from State maintenance-of- effort funds instead of federal TANF benefits during their participation.

A new Section 208.326 creates the Missouri Works program to provide community service jobs to welfare recipients to help them prepare for permanent unsubsidized employment. Subject to available funding, the program must provide jobs to 1000 TANF recipients per month, divided among at least 3 pilot sites. At least one pilot site shall be located in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and Green County respectively. At least one pilot site should represent rural areas. No pilot sites will be located in Kansas City. Program participants must work at least twenty hours per week for up to one year. Participants will also receive subsidized child care and a monthly stipend for work- related expenses. Participants may receive a TANF grant equal to the difference between his or her wages and the grant amount to which they would be entitled. If funding is available, bonus payments may be made to participants who obtain unsubsidized employment after the program.

This act is similar to portions of HB 2020 (2000).
ERIN MOTLEY