The Ready to Work Act of 2026 would create local jobs programs for adults who have been out of work or full-time school for at least 27 weeks and have been seeking work for at least 4 weeks. Participants could receive temporary jobs intended to lead to long-term employment, along with career help, training, and support services. Local programs would work with employers and other community partners. The bill would also offer competitive grants for programs in areas with long-term high poverty or low employment among adults ages 25 to 54. Some program rules could be changed for grant recipients.
If you meet the eligibility rules, you could seek a program position through a local jobs program. Jobs could include transitional work, apprenticeships, or certain national service positions. Employers must meet wage and benefit rules, and the programs must follow protections against replacing or displacing existing workers. Grant-funded programs may have different eligibility timelines or other standards.
The bill provides mandatory funding for the main jobs initiative for fiscal year 2026 and later years in amounts needed to carry it out. It authorizes additional funding for the grants for fiscal year 2027 and later years, but does not specify a dollar amount. Employers would cover a share of wages and compensation, with the share depending on local unemployment rates and other rules.
The bill states that its purposes are to help people overcome barriers to work, fund local work opportunities, and support innovation and investment in areas with high poverty and chronic joblessness.
No publicly available information.