The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has recently passed a bill that could help put unemployed Pennsylvanians back to work. Rep. Saylors (R-York) HB1539, which is modeled after a successful program from Georgia has the ability to help Pennsylvanians find work.

HB1539, which is currently on its way to the State Senate, would allow a company to hire unemployed Pennsylvanians 24 hours a week for 8 weeks at no cost to the employer. The Employee would remain collecting unemployment while training on the job and learning vital skills that could help them achieve full-time employment at that company, or another after the eight week period.

HB1539, which passed the house unanimously could be the help many unemployed Pennsylvanians need. It would give workers an opportunity to learn vital skills and create career opportunities for them while cutting down on training costs for the employer. Companies will be able to identify prospects for employment were they might have passed them by in the past.

One could make the argument that some would use this program to hire workers, get two months of free labor on the taxpayer’s dime and then let the employee go. However, I believe this bill could be the right step for many unemployed Pennsylvanians. The skills and training that one would develop over that eight week period could help secure a job. And even if you are offered the position, you can pass on the offer and try your luck elsewhere.

Sustainable economies require a well-trained workforce. This bill gives unemployed Pennsylvanians a better chance of finding a new job then just searching the classifieds. It will give workers new skills and more marketability, which could lead to better employment opportunities. This could be the very break unemployed Pennsylvanians need to return to the workforce.

HB1539  http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/billinfo.cfm?syear=2011&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1539