LANSING - The Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS) today released details of its expanded welfare reform plan. The plan will enable more families to achieve self-sufficiency, save taxpayers $12 million dollars, and meet new federal workforce participation requirements.

"A key part of our economic plan is ensuring that every person in MI has the skills they need to get a good job," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "This program provides that opportunity for thousands of people currently dependent on welfare while saving the state money." The DHS plan includes expansion of the Jobs, Education and Training (JET) pilots. JET was developed jointly with the Department of Labor and Economic Growth (DLEG) to help welfare recipients become self-sufficient and permanently attached to the labor force. The DHS plan, which includes projected cost savings of $12 million, enlarges JET pilots already underway as part of the FY 2006 budget and becomes part of the department?s fiscal year 2007 budget proposal.

Beginning in September 2004, DHS director Marianne Udow and then-DLEG director David Hollister led a broad-based welfare reform workgroup in the development of a new approach to creating permanent workforce status for DHS clients. The JET approach grew out of this workgroup, and the pilot programs were included in the fiscal year 2006 DHS budget.

"The Jobs, Education and Training approach fundamentally changes the way we move families off welfare and toward self-sufficiency," Udow said. "Instead of telling those on welfare to 'get a job, any job,' the program supports them in developing job skills and moving permanently off of the welfare rolls." Current JET pilot sites are in Kent, Oakland, Sanilac, and Wayne counties. The expanded plan increases the population served from 15 percent of the targeted caseload to 49 percent. The DHS plan will:

• Help those who are work-ready move quickly back into the workforce.
• Use a thorough up-front assessment and "Family Self-Sufficiency Plan" to tailor supports and services to the individual circumstances of recipient and family.
• Expand educational and training opportunities so clients gain the skills they need to get a good paying job.
• Focus vocational training opportunities on jobs the Michigan economy needs (e.g., health care, construction).
• Provide supportive services when clients face serious barriers to work, with the goal of reducing/removing those barriers so clients can participate in work or work preparation.
• Provide advocacy and support for those who are making application for Supplemental Security Income.
• Extend post-employment support from 90 days to 180 days to help clients retain jobs and prepare a plan for advancement.

"The DHS welfare reform plan will meet federal requirements within the federal time frame, protect the safety net, and help people become permanently attached to the labor force so they can move their families out of poverty," said Udow. "We want to get more people working permanently in Michigan - self-sufficiency is better for families, and what is better for families is better for children."