SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Rory Reid has announced an innovative plan to put Nevadans immediately back to work as they train for new jobs. “Work Ready Nevada” is based on a simple idea that doesn’t cost a penny: Let Nevadans who are receiving unemployment benefits retrain by taking positions that are available now–without losing their benefits.
This concept, designed to stimulate job growth and hiring, has been successful in Georgia and five other states. It could be implemented immediately, allowing thousands of Nevadans currently receiving unemployment benefits to develop new skills on the job. By developing work-ready employees, the plan could also significantly reduce the time many Nevadans receive unemployment insurance payments.
Under Reid’s “Work Ready Nevada” plan:
— Unemployment insurance claimants would continue to draw UI benefits for the period in which they are eligible.
— During that period, they would be able to work as apprentices to receive workplace training from a potential employer.
— Training would be allowed for a maximum of 24 hours per week for up to six weeks, allowing workers to continue their job search in case their training does not pan out.
— The program would operate at no extra cost to the state, since participants are already collecting UI and stipends are more than offset by the decreased number of weeks people spend receiving UI benefits.
“Work Ready Nevada” is a great way for employers to test out new employees and for workers to try new positions or learn new skills. In Georgia, about 63 percent of participants were hired by the training company or another company following the training period.
Reid would have an initial goal of enrolling about 19,000 Nevada workers in the program.
Rory Reid is the only candidate for governor to offer solutions for today and a plan for Nevada’s future success–supporting strong schools for a stronger economy. For more information about his campaign or to download his plans, visit Rory2010.com.
