Workforce Opportunities for Communities in Recovery Act

Grants for workers in recovery communities

If enacted, the bill would create a competitive two-year pilot grant program at the Department of Labor to help communities hit by widespread substance use disorder. Congress would be asked to authorize $25.0M (FY2027), $27.5M (FY2028), $30.0M (FY2029), $32.5M (FY2030), $35.0M (FY2031), and $37.5M (FY2032). State or local workforce boards could apply with written partnerships including treatment providers, employers, schools, tribes, and community groups. Grants would fund training, job placement, employer engagement, supportive services, and links to evidence-based SUD treatment and peer recovery supports. Applicants must show local SUD-related economic harm, may need to demonstrate workforce shortages for SUD-support jobs, and must pay at least part of an independent evaluation. The Secretary could use no more than 5% of funds for central administration, and each partnership could use at most 10% for its own administration and at most 10% for certain supportive services.