JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — A new campaign called Recover MO, launching May 18, is aimed at helping people get back to work.
As part of the campaign, the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development will hold virtual job fairs and highlight short-term training programs offered by higher education institutions that will allow people to quickly earn a certificate or industry-recognized credential, according to a press release from Missouri Gov. Mike Parson's office.
“Missouri citizens and businesses are eager to get back to work," Parson said. "And now more than ever, they need our support to get back on their feet.”
The MDHEWD will also receive an emergency grant of $1.3 million for COVID-19 Disaster Recovery, the Department of Labor announced. The RecoverMO Humanitarian Work Grant will target dislocated workers and help MDHEWD provide temporary employment opportunities including grocery delivery, health care, contact tracing, and other work directly supporting COVID-19, as well as job training opportunities.
The money will be awarded to MDHEWD on June 1, and will be available to local workforce development boards within 45 days.
During his COVID-19 briefing Tuesday, Parson focused on the state's economic recovery, highlighting the aid businesses have received and the state's "Show Me Strong" Recovery Plan.
Through May 1, Missouri has 78,733 businesses receiving a total of $9.24 billion in Paycheck Protection Program assistance from the Small Business Administration, the release said. Parson's administration is also exploring opportunities within federal stimulus funds to assist businesses with training and workforce needs as they modify operations and make accommodations due to COVID-19.
“We are working together to develop and institute resilient and sustainable economic initiatives that promote prosperity in our state,” Director of Economic Development Rob Dixon said. “This is not a short-term recovery effort, and it will always be connected to our ability to deal with the virus.
For more information on the state's “Show Me Strong" Recovery Plan, visit showmestrong.mo.gov.
Watch Parson's Tuesday briefing:
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