KRS 205.2003: Administrative regulations for work program for public assistance

recipients -- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and

Training state plan initiatives -- Annual report.

(1) The secretary shall promulgate administrative regu lations in accordance with KRS

Chapter 13A to develop a work program for recipients of public assistance under

Title IV-A of the Federal Social Security Act to provide for immediate employment

or preparation for employment.

(2) The self-sufficiency of part icipants shall be the primary goal of the work program.

Participants shall bear the ultimate responsibility in pursuit of this goal.

(3) In partnership with participants, the cabinet shall assess their strengths and needs

and provide supportive services to assist in the pursuit of work and self-sufficiency.

(4) The cabinet shall:

(a) Develop and implement initiatives under Kentucky's Supplemental Nutrition

Assistance Program Employment and Training state plan, established in

accordance with 7 C.F.R. sec. 27 3.7, to promote improved employment

outcomes and workforce participation. The initiatives shall:

1. Be related to healthy workforce habits among eligible individuals;

2. Include establishing partnerships with public and private entities,

including but not limited to workforce boards, educational institutions,

employers, and community organizations;

3. Include partner -funded programs supporting household food security

and improved nutrition, including but not limited to an incentive

program for the purpose o f increasing the purchase and consumption of

nutritious foods both at work and at home;

4. Include job readiness, occupational training, and work -based learning

opportunities;

5. Implement employment assessment and individualized employment

planning; and

6. Include case management and employment navigation services;

(b) To the extent allowable b y federal law, utilize federal Supplemental Nutrition

Assistance Program matching grant funds as provided in 7 C.F.R. sec.

273.7(d);

(c) On or before December 1, 2026, pursue any federal approvals necessary to

implement the initiatives, including a submission of a state plan amendment to

Kentucky's federally approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Employment and Training state plan; and

(d) Submit a report to the Legislative Research Commission for referral to the

Interim Joint Committee on Healt h Services and appear before the Interim

Joint Committee on Health Services annually to update the members of the

committee regarding program participation levels, employment outcomes,

healthy workforce outcomes, federal fund draw downs, and program impacts.