Bipartisan legislation introduced on April 10 by U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) would establish pilot programs integrating job training and drug addiction recovery services to improve the likelihood that Americans could successfully beat their use of opioids or other substances.
The Jobs Plus Recovery Act, S. 2642, would require the U.S. Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, to establish a pilot program for Jobs Plus Recovery programs, and for other purposes, according to a congressional record summary.
“This legislation would create pilot programs that help individuals struggling with opioid addiction access employment opportunities,” said Sen. Young, who was joined by U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Doug Jones (D-AL) in introducing S. 2642.
The pilot programs created under the bill would seek to ensure participant success in work-based learning, which would be divided between three stages: pre-employment, early employment, and continuing employment, and which may include peer recovery support services, networking and mentorship opportunities, and other wraparound services, according to a summary provided by Sen. Young’s office.
“Our goal is to give businesses the tools needed to positively impact addiction treatment outcomes, and to change how the nation treats individuals with addiction issues so that they can turn their lives around and meaningfully contribute to the economy,” Sen. Young said.
The senator underlined the significance of providing people with such job training and addiction support services by recalling a March 27 roundtable discussion he held in Evansville, Ind., as part of his Fair Shot Agenda, which focuses on improving opportunity, safety, health, and better government for Indiana residents.
“I heard from an Indiana plastics manufacturing firm that took a chance by hiring a Hoosier who had struggled with addiction issues,” Sen. Young said on April 10. “This week, that same Hoosier is graduating from drug treatment court and serves as a valuable employee. With the Jobs Plus Recovery Act, we can replicate this success story across Indiana and the entire country.”
Pilot programs under S. 2642 would be funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, a law that helps job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services and matches employers with skilled workers. Additionally, S. 2642 would permit community workforce entities to educate employers about how to hire and retain employees who have a history of substance use disorders, according to the summary.
By combining job training with the recovery process, Sen. Kaine said the bill would positively impact the economy, employers and local communities. “The substance abuse epidemic has had a devastating effect on communities across the country, and a lack of job opportunity has exacerbated this crisis,” said Sen. Kaine. “We must find a way to address this crisis and to help those who are trying to get back on their feet, stay there.”
“Through this job-training initiative, we are taking steps to help them thrive in recovery and break the dangerous cycle of addiction,” added Sen. Jones.
Ronald Painter, CEO of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), agreed that S. 2642 could play an important role in combating the nationwide opioid epidemic and said the organization is proud to endorse it.
“It builds on the well-established link between recovery and job security,” Painter said. “Those suffering from addiction are often in need of opportunities and purpose. This aligns with NAWB’s 40-year history of delivering on economic opportunity for Americans through skills training and job placement.”
S. 2642 has been referred to the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, on which all three senators serve.