Montana Code 39-12-101. Montana HELP Act workforce development — legislative findings — purpose
39-12-101. (Temporary) Montana HELP Act workforce development — legislative findings — purpose. (1) The legislature finds that:
Terms Used In Montana Code 39-12-101
- act: means the Montana Health and Economic Livelihood Partnership Act provided for in Title 53, chapter 6, part 13, and this chapter. See Montana Code 39-12-102
- Department: means the department of labor and industry provided for in 2-15-1701. See Montana Code 39-12-102
- State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories. See Montana Code 1-1-201
(a)Montana has a disproportionately high number of individuals who are eligible for medicaid compared to surrounding states;
(b)Montanans value independence and self-sufficiency;
(c)investing in Montana citizens is a legislative priority;
(d)participants in the HELP Act program are largely low-wage workers; and
(e)an opportunity exists to match individuals who need self-sustaining employment with the jobs the economy needs, including newly created health care jobs.
(2)The purpose of this chapter is to create a collaborative effort between the department of labor and industry and the department of public health and human services to:
(a)identify workforce development opportunities for program participants;
(b)gather information from state agencies on existing workforce development programs and opportunities; and
(c)establish a comprehensive plan for coordinating efforts and resources to provide workforce development opportunities.
(3)The department of labor and industry shall implement a workforce development program that:
(a)focuses on specific labor force needs within the state of Montana;
(b)has the goal of reducing the number of people depending on social programs, including the HELP Act program;
(c)provides grants to employers who hire and train program participants; and
(d)increases the earning capacity, economic stability, and self-sufficiency of program participants so that, among other benefits, they are able to purchase their own health insurance coverage. (Terminates June 30, 2025–secs. 38, 48, Ch. 415, L. 2019.)