There are programs locally that help adults prepare to enter or re-enter the workforce. Work Experience Programs (WEP) is one such program that assists people who are on public assistance gain further employment and job skills. It's one of the many programs managed by the local department of social services offices in conjunction with employment and training offices that assists people in gaining valuable job skills, help with job readiness training, placement services, and job searches. The program has had positive results for many individuals, often leading to work-readiness skills needed for employment success.

Very often, the barrier to employment for many can be attributed to a lack of experience, work readiness and past employment history. Participants who qualify for WEP agree to work at an assigned public or non-profit organization. There, they can establish a work history in a supported environment while developing further occupational and work-readiness skills. Further, they work hand-in-hand with the agency or organization and also have a career advisor. The career advisor provides feedback about their job performance, and very often acts as a mentor teaching professional skills. Many participants end their time in WEP with experience, confidence and good work habits.

Federal law requires that those receiving public assistance either work or be enrolled in a program like WEP. There are exceptions. If, for example, recipients cannot obtain transportation or have health issues they do not have to work or be enrolled in a program like WEP. Though participants in WEP are not paid directly in wages for their work, they gain valuable work experience and make employment connections. Ideally, this leads to more income for participants’ households. Career advisors say the program can help people who have been out of work for a long period of time feel comfortable again in the work environment.

WEP also serves to reduce the amount of people who transition to the state's Safety Net program. The state’s Safety Net program is a public assistance program that picks up after 60 months or when the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits expire for recipients. Safety Net is a state mandated program--71% of Safety Net costs are paid by county taxpayers and 29% is paid by the state.

Unfortunately, there are state legislators who are sponsoring legislation that would eliminate the WEP. The sponsors of this legislation claim that the positions that WEP participants are taking are displacing other workers. However, this argument is disingenuous because federal guidelines prohibit this from occurring. Work sites that participate in the program understand this and must sign an agreement not to use WEP to displace workers. Many organizations participate to help people get back on their feet. Locally, the WEP program has a proven record of helping people on public assistance gain further work experience that has enabled them to secure a job and move off of public assistance. Local administrators of this program say they have witnessed the positive benefits of this program and state that its elimination would ultimately hurt those who are trying to move off of assistance.

The legislature should reject this legislation should it get to the floor for a vote. This is a valuable program because it provides guidance for people and the opportunity to learn and grow in a professional way. When the system was created more than 50 years and a “war on poverty” was declared by the Lyndon Johnson administration, the goal was to provide temporary help to those who needed it. WEP coincides with the foundations of public assistance. We should encourage educational programs that lead to increased odds of employment rather than getting rid of them.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this or any other state issue, please contact me. My office can be reached by mail at 200 North Second Street, Fulton, New York 13069, by e-mail at barclaw@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling (315) 598-5185. You can also find me, Assemblyman Barclay, on Facebook.