Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady (R-TX) has proposed a “return to work bonus” bill that will help workers who have been temporarily laid off reconnect to their jobs.

Mr. Brady’s proposal is simple. If a worker who is currently receiving federal unemployment benefits accepts a job offer, they can keep up to two weeks of their current benefits — up to $1,200 — to return to work.

The idea has been gaining traction in Washington, D.C. And at the state level, it’s proven to be an effective tool to get workers back on the job.

Idaho has been the first state to implement a return to work bonus system. Governor Brad Little announced this week that since Idaho put in the return to work bonus system, the first window of applications saw over 10,000 Idahoans seeking the bonus.

“The incredibly strong response from employers in our Return to Work Bonuses indicates businesses absolutely need this incentive in order to get their employees back to work,” Governor Little said. 

“A strong economic rebound cannot occur without workers returning to a job, and the Return to Work cash bonuses counteract the federal payouts and incentivize our workforce to get back to work safely,” Governor Little said.

As Mr. Brady said when he introduced federal legislation to create a return to work bonus: “We need these workers.”

“Unless we can reconnect these workers with these Main Street businesses soon, that business may no longer be there,” Mr. Brady said. “This proposal is an important part in preventing a prolonged recession.”

CLICK HERE to learn more about how this system is working in Idaho.

CLICK HERE to learn about Mr. Brady’s proposal.

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