Whereas, Welfare-to-work is a temporary, federally funded, 2- year job placement program targeted at the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families welfare population that is hardest to serve; and

Whereas, Welfare-to-work is a $3,000,000,000, 2-year initiative that provides needed resources for states and localities to create job opportunities for welfare recipients by providing the job placement services, transitional employment and support services needed to move those recipients into lasting, unsubsidized employment; and

Whereas, states are required to provide a match of $1 in state funds for every $2 in federal funds; and

Whereas, Maine is eligible to receive $9,900,000 over the 2-year period during which the federal funds are available; and

Whereas, Maine has committed only $1,000,000 in state funds, gaining access to $2,000,000 in federal funds; and

Whereas, unless Maine appropriates more funds to the Welfare-to- work program, the matching federal funds will be forfeited; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. Appropriation. The following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this Act.

1999-00

LABOR, DEPARTMENT OF

Welfare-to-work

All other $3,900,000

Appropriates funds to access $7,800,000 in