DelBene Praises USDA Announcement on Implementation of Innovative Job Training Program
A DelBene proposal, enacted in January, will expand an innovative Washington State model nationally to help low-income individuals develop self-sustaining careers.
Congresswoman Suzan DelBene welcomed an announcement from U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today that the USDA will begin taking applications from states for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) pilot program, which was included by Rep. DelBene in the Farm Bill reauthorization enacted earlier this year. The provision is based on a bill Rep. DelBene introduced called the Enhancing Employment and Training Through Education Act of 2013 (H.R. 1929).
“I’m excited to see the USDA take the next step in getting these pilot programs off the ground,” said DelBene. “These grants will spur projects across the country modeled after Washington State’s successful Basic Food Employment and Training program, which has helped thousands gain employment and reduce their need of government assistance. These projects will provide SNAP beneficiaries with access to opportunity by helping them develop the training they need to obtain well-paying jobs in industries seeking skilled workers. This is a smart way for us to invest now in education and career training opportunities and save money as these new workers transition off of SNAP.”
Rep. DelBene's proposal created a new national competitive grant program dedicated to funding job training programs to support low-income individuals currently on SNAP, also known as food stamps. This pilot program is designed to facilitate access to the education and employment opportunities necessary for SNAP participants to secure well-paying jobs and reduce their need for government assistance.
During the Farm Bill Conference Committee, Rep. DelBene fought to increase funding for the pilot program and received a great deal of bipartisan support. The enacted Farm Bill created a three year, $200 million competitive grant fund to encourage states to provide voluntary employment and training programs similar to Washington State’s Basic Food Education & Training program (BFET).
Washington’s BFET program has proven successful at helping approximately 11,000 low-income individuals get jobs to date. During the height of the recession, 60% of Washington’s BFET participants found jobs. A recent analysis of BFET found that fewer than half of those enrolled remained on government assistance two years after starting the program.
Unlike most federal job training programs that exist today, the new pilot created by DelBene’s provision provides targeted employment and training resources tailored to help low-income adults currently receiving SNAP benefits. The bill encourages states to adopt innovative strategies to increase the effectiveness of existing job training programs. Historically, programs that served SNAP participants have provided limited job search assistance. An expansion modeled after Washington State’s program will encourage states to instead administer programs with meaningful education and training opportunities, enabling participants to obtain industry-recognized degrees and credentials that are highly valued in today’s labor market.
