Section 39-12-101 - [Terminates 6/30/2025] Montana HELP Act workforce development - legislative findings - purpose(1) The legislature finds that: (a) Montana has a disproportionately high number of individuals who are eligible for medicaid compared to surrounding states;(b) Montanans value independence and self-sufficiency;(c) investing in Montana citizens is a legislative priority;(d) participants in the HELP Act program are largely low-wage workers; and(e) an opportunity exists to match individuals who need self-sustaining employment with the jobs the economy needs, including newly created health care jobs.(2) The purpose of this chapter is to create a collaborative effort between the department of labor and industry and the department of public health and human services to: (a) identify workforce development opportunities for program participants;(b) gather information from state agencies on existing workforce development programs and opportunities; and(c) establish a comprehensive plan for coordinating efforts and resources to provide workforce development opportunities.(3) The department of labor and industry shall implement a workforce development program that: (a) focuses on specific labor force needs within the state of Montana;(b) has the goal of reducing the number of people depending on social programs, including the HELP Act program;(c) provides grants to employers who hire and train program participants; and(d) increases the earning capacity, economic stability, and self-sufficiency of program participants so that, among other benefits, they are able to purchase their own health insurance coverage. (Terminates June 30, 2025--secs. 38, 48, Ch. 415, L. 2019.)Amended by Laws 2019, Ch. 415,Sec. 23, eff. 7/1/2019.Added by Laws 2015, Ch. 368, Sec. 14, eff. upon approval by the U.S. department of health and human services of all waivers and approvals necessary to provide medicaid-funded services to individuals eligible pursuant to 53-6-1304 in the manner provided for in Laws 2015, Ch. 368; terminating 6/30/2019. See Laws 2015, Ch. 368, Sec. 28.