Reply #64: Looks like the Georgia Plan has some troubles - note there are only 19 trainees currently enrolled. [View All]

[sad sally]

The program has received mixed reviews from unemployment advocates and economists though. Some question whether it really helps the jobless return to work, while others are concerned about the quality of training participants receive.

Also, the state has had to dramatically scale back the program as officials seek the money needed to continue it. Georgia Works' financial troubles began last fall when the labor department increased the stipend to $600, from $300, and opened it up to anyone without a job, not only those receiving benefits. That expansion essentially drained the programs of funds within a few months, forcing officials to cut back the stipend to $240 and restrict it once again to those getting unemployment checks.

Now, the unemployment funds used to pay the stipend must go to paying the interest on the state's loan from the federal government to cover benefits. So the department has basically stopped marketing it. There are only 19 trainees currently enrolled, down from 950 a year ago.

Since the inception of Georgia Works in 2003, more than 23,000 participants have completed training programs at more than 16,500 employers. A quarter of them were hired at the firm by the end of the eight weeks, while nearly 60% were employed somewhere within three months of completing the program, state labor officials said.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/08/29/news/economy/georgia_jo...