The NTJN is dedicated to ensuring that federal policies and systems account for the employment needs of those who are chronically unemployed and underemployed. America is stronger and the economy is healthier when everyone who wants to work can find a job and move toward economic self-sufficiency.
The NTJN’s federal policy issue areas include:
• Child Support, Fatherhood, and Employment
• Criminal Justice, Reentry, and Employment
• Homelessness
• Federal Budget
• Job Creation
• Job Quality
• Welfare and Income Supports
• Workforce Development
• Veterans and Employment
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Read below for more information on:
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Check out some of NTJN's advocacy tools on Strengthening Relationships with Members of Congress:
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The Workforce Investment (WIA) Reauthorization
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) was signed into law in 1998 and authorizes funding and programs that make up our national workforce system. The NTJN has a series of recommendations for the reauthorization of WIA to help support entry and success of low-income people with barriers to employment.
Recommendations for the Inclusion of Transitional Jobs within the WIA Title I Adult Program
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA)
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, (ARRA) of 2009 was signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009 with the purpose of preserving and creating jobs in the midst of economic criss. The NTJN developed its recommendations for a national recovery package, urging Congress to account for people with barriers to employment who have been hardest hit by the downturn in the ecomony.
Following the passage of ARRA, the NTJN developed and has continually updated a guide to federal ARRA funds that can be used to develop or expand Transitional Jobs programs:Opportunities for Transitional Jobs Program: Development and Expansion in the American Recovery and Reinves...
The Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act
The Responsible Fatherhood and Healthy Families Act was introduced in June, 2009 by Senator Evan Bayh (D-IL). A companion bill was introduced shortly after by Representative Danny Davis (D-IL). The bill would address child support child support distribution and arrears management; expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for non-custodial parents paying child support; and increase funding for domestic violence activities in marriage and fatherhood and employment programs. The bill would also establish a grants for the development and expansion of Transitional Jobs programs.
The Criminal Justice Reinvestment Act of 2009
The Criminal Justice Reinvestment Act of 2009 is currently making its way through the legislative process and would authorize the U.S. Attorney General to make grants to state, local government and tribes to help jurisdiction manage the growth in spending on corrections and increase public safety. The criminal justice reinvestment grants would help jurisdictions: (1) analyze criminal justice trends to understand what is driving the growth in local jail and prison populations; (2) develop policy options to manage the growth in corrections expenditures and increase the effectiveness of current spending and reinvestment to increase public safety; (3) implement the proposed policies and programs; and (4) measure the impact of the policy changes and reinvestment resources and hold policymakers accountable for projected results.
The purpose of the Second Chance Act is to reduce recidivism by improving reentry planning and implementation, and provides competitive grants to promote program innovation in areas of: post-release housing, substance abuse and mental health services, mentoring programs, and education and job training. In FY11, President Obama requested $100 million for The Office of Justice Programs to administer grants authorized by the Second Chance Act.
The Department of Labor FY10 Transitional Jobs Appropriation
On December 16, 2009 President Obama signed FY2010 Labor, Health & Education Consolidated Appropriations Bill, which included $45 million for a Transitional Jobs Demonstration Project.
- $30 million was included for Transitional Jobs activities in the Department of Labor Pilots, Demonstrations, and Research section; and
- $15 million was included for competitive grants to provide transitional job activities for ex-offenders.
The funding was dispensed through The Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and was made available April 1, 2010.
State Policy Spotlight: Wisconsin Passes Transitional Jobs Legislation
Wisconsin passed the Family Jobs Act in April, a bill that will expand the state's Transitional Jobs program. This effort is the direct result of strong leadership in the state legislature and work by advocates and programs to advance the dialogue around much-needed employment solutions for all. Wisconsin's work offers a framework for other states who seek to expand their Transitional Jobs programs.
State Policy Spotlight: Statewide Program Calling for Transitional Jobs Advances in Wisconsin