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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A new program would pay West Virginians $1,500 to return to work.
Gov. Jim Justice announced the proposal during his State of the State address last week.
The Job Jumpstart Program is aimed at assisting state residents returning to the workforce.
State Department of Economic Development Director Mitch Carmichael said the program is designed to give people who are able to work “an appetite” to start a new job.
“It really is meant to reward the dignity of earned success,” he said during an appearance on MetroNews “Talkline.”
The program would need to be approved by the state Legislature.
Carmichael said the value of hard work is unmatched.
“Once they get into the workforce and see how they can transform their lives and contribute to society, make their families better, it changes not only their lives, but it’s a generational change,” he said.
Without work, Carmichael said some people go down the wrong path.
“For too long and too often, people find other detrimental behaviors, perhaps they get on drugs,” he said. “We want to make sure that we’re providing that incentive.”
The program runs from Feb. 1 through Aug. 12.
Participants must demonstrate that they have completed eight weeks of work or at least 32 hours during each of those weeks during that time frame.
Residents who currently receive unemployment benefits, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits may be eligible for the one-time payment of $1,500 if they go back to work.
Those who complete a WorkForce West Virginia approved training program and obtain a credential within the same dates may also be eligible.
It will be on a first-come, first-served basis through Aug. 12 or until funding is expended. Funding is coming from the federal CARES Act.