Signed by Governor Rick Snyder

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends the JET Program of the Social Welfare Act.

Highlights:

• Requiring the Department of Human Services to enter into an agreement with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation or a successor entity in order to facilitate the administration of the JET program, effective October 1, 2011 (Sec. 57).

• Defines the "JET " program as the jobs, education and training program administered by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation or a successor entity for applicants and recipients of family independence program assistance (Sec. 57).

• Specifies that the following individuals are exempt from participation in the JET program (Sec. 57):
• A child under the age of 16;
• A child age 16 to 18 who is attending elementary or secondary school full time;
• A recipient who has medical documentation of a disability or medical documentation of an inability to participate in employment or the JET program for more than 90 days due to a mental or physical condition;
• A recipient unable to participate as determined by the medical review team;
• A recipient 65 years or older
• A recipient of supplemental security income; or
• A recipient of retirement, survivor, or disability insurance based on disability or blindness, or a recipient found eligible for retirement, survivor, or disability insurance, based on disability or blindness who is in nonpay status.

• Authorizes the Department of Human Services to grant a temporary exemption from participation in the JET program to any individual who is suffering from a documented short-term mental or physical illness, limitation, or disability that severely restricts his or her ability to participate in JET program activities (Sec. 57).

• Establishes that the following exemptions could not exceed a period of 90 days without a review by a Department of Human Services caseworker (Sec. 57):
• An individual for whom certain program requirements have been waived by a caseworker;
• A parent with a child under the age of 60 days, if that child is in the home, or a mother for postpartum recovery up to 60 days after giving birth if that child is not in the home; or
• A pregnant recipient, who, based on medical evidence, is severely restricted in her ability to participate in the JET program for the duration of the pregnancy.

• Establishes that the following exemptions shall not exceed a period of 365 days without a review by a Department of Human Services caseworker (Sec. 57):
• A spouse of a recipient who is verified as disabled and living in the home, if it is verified that the spouse is needed in the home full-time due to the extent of the required medical care; or
• A parent of a child who is verified as disabled and living in the home if it is verified that the parent is needed in the home due to the extent of medical care required.

Full Bill Text