During a recent meeting of the North Dakota Senate Appropriations Committee, discussions centered on a proposed change to the compensation structure for the Senior Community Service Employment Program. This program, which operates under the Department of Health and Human Services, aims to provide job training opportunities for seniors, but has faced challenges due to the state's minimum wage being set too low.

Eric Haas, the assistant CFO for the Department of Health Services, explained that the current compensation rate for participants is tied to North Dakota's minimum wage. This has made it difficult to attract participants, as many can find better-paying jobs in other fields. The proposed legislation seeks to grant the department the authority to adjust the hourly compensation rate, which would encourage more seniors to participate in the program.

The program is essential for accessing federal funding through the Older Americans Act, and increasing participation is crucial to avoid penalties associated with underutilization of these funds. The fiscal note for the proposal indicates an expenditure of $213,000, but no new appropriations are needed since the department plans to budget for these expenses.

Senators expressed support for the initiative, with some questioning whether the changes needed to be codified into law or could be managed through administrative rules. Haas clarified that putting the changes into law would allow for quicker implementation and future adjustments to the compensation rate.

The program primarily offers part-time positions, which serve as job training opportunities for seniors, often in collaboration with non-profit organizations. While these positions do not come with benefits, the hope is that they will lead to longer-term employment opportunities for participants.

This proposed change reflects a commitment to enhancing job training for seniors in North Dakota, addressing both the immediate needs of the community and the broader goal of utilizing federal resources effectively. As the committee moves forward, the adjustments to the compensation structure could significantly impact the lives of many seniors seeking employment and training opportunities.