Gov. Dannel Malloy announced a $13.6 million legislative package Monday that he said is aimed at helping the unemployed find work.
Malloy is calling for a $10 million renewal of the state’s “Step Up” program, which launched in 2012 and has provided wage subsidies and manufacturing training grants to nearly 600 companies at a cost of $16 million.
The proposed legislation would also create a “platform-to-employment” program for up to 500 state residents who have exhausted their unemployment benefits.
The $3.6 million program would offer a five-week job readiness course, behavioral health services, financial coaching and eight weeks of state-subsidized work experience.
The third prong of Malloy’s plan would prohibit employers from posting hiring ads that say desired candidates must be currently employed. Companies would also not be allowed to direct a hiring agency from screening applicants based on employment status.
