Committee advances changes to reentry employment incentive program to spur employer participation

CB102 would modify the county’s reentry employment incentive program by increasing employer reimbursement from $5 to $10 per hour, raising the qualifying wage floor from $15 to $25 per hour, establishing a dedicated non-lapsing fund for reimbursements, and changing the timing of payments to encourage employer participation.

Jeffrey Swilly of Employed Prince George's said earlier payment and higher wages made the program more attractive to employers and could increase utilization. "Employed Prince George is in support of it," he told the committee. Budget and policy staff said the change could have a slightly adverse fiscal impact if the existing pool of funds is more widely used, but the program’s historic low participation suggested the proposed improvements would increase uptake. The committee moved the bill favorable by unanimous vote.