PIC'S EARN PROGRAM SURPASSES STATE GOAL

After a continuous 5-year delay, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) was federally reauthorized in July of 2006. With this reauthorization, the federal government imposed a 50% work participation rate for all families receiving public assistance (welfare). This goal was to be attained by October 1, 2006, or a $75 million penalty would be imposed on states not meeting this requirement.

Pennsylvania was one of the many states that were affected by this change. In response to the federal demands, the state imposed an even higher work participation rate of 85% on all employment and training programs. This includes the Employment, Advancement, and Retention Network (EARN) program that is operated by the Private Industry Council. To date the state has not only achieved the federal goal of 50% participation, but has surpassed its goal and is currently at 53%.

We are proud to announce that PIC's Westmoreland/Fayette EARN program is one of only two programs in the Commonwealth that are exceeding the state's 85% goal. In November 2006, the Westmoreland/Fayette work participation rate stood at 85.71%.

This would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our staff.

Thank you!