Rhode Island General Laws Title 28. Labor and Labor Relations § 28-42-86. Employment security reemployment fund--Legislative findings

Whereas, improvements in the standard of living for unemployed Rhode Islanders by facilitating their return to work is one of the top priorities of state government; and

Whereas, the state's low unemployment rate has made it increasingly difficult for employers to find qualified workers to fill their job openings; and

Whereas, the federal government has failed to provide sufficient resources for the state to provide the level of services needed to alleviate these problems; and

Whereas, other states have had success with targeted job matching programs and intensive reemployment services; and

Whereas, such programs can help employers fill job openings more rapidly, accelerate the claimant's return to work, reduce unemployment costs, and strengthen the state's economy as a result;

Now, therefore, the general assembly declares that the department of labor and training shall institute a pilot research and demonstration rapid reemployment program. The program shall include an automated job matching system to match employer job orders with qualified unemployed individuals and an intensive reemployment services project to help those who are not job ready. The reemployment services may include, but not be limited to, focused job search strategies for individuals, resume preparation assistance, job development, interview preparation workshops, and continued job matching and referral.