Ready to Work Act Introduced to Support Long-Term Unemployed
New legislation aims to help long-term unemployed workers transition into jobs amid concerns over AI-driven workforce shifts.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Employment
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Senator Chris Van Hollen has introduced the Ready to Work Act of 2026 to create a federal jobs initiative for the long-term unemployed. The program specifically addresses the 1.93 million Americans who were out of work for 27 weeks or longer as of August 2026.
Why it matters
The bill seeks to combat the rising average duration of unemployment, which reached 26.3 weeks, by providing federal funding for training and temporary positions. It also responds to public concerns, as 70% of Americans surveyed in March believed artificial intelligence would reduce job opportunities.
As of August 2026, the 1.93 million long-term unemployed individuals represented 27% of all jobless Americans. Under the proposed act, qualifying participants would earn a minimum of $15.87 an hour.
The players
Chris Van Hollen
The Senator from Maryland who sponsored the Ready to Work Act to address long-term unemployment.
Department of Labor
The federal agency responsible for overseeing workforce training, wage standards, and national employment data reporting.
The details
The Ready to Work Act establishes a Department of Labor program that provides federal funds to help workforce boards and community groups create temporary paid positions. Employers in areas with low unemployment must cover 33% of wage costs, while the federal government subsidizes remaining expenses. Participants are required to disclose their history of AI usage to help policymakers track the impact of automation on job stability.
Timeline
March 2026: 70% of Americans surveyed believed AI would reduce job opportunities.
August 2026: The number of long-term unemployed reached 1.93 million.
Fiscal 2026: Funding for the main jobs program is scheduled to begin.
Fiscal 2027: Funding for grants in high-poverty areas is slated to begin.
Money Landscape
This proposal sits within a broader cycle of federal intervention aimed at addressing structural labor market challenges. It follows a period of increasing public apprehension regarding the long-term impact of artificial intelligence on job security.
Households facing long-term unemployment may soon have access to new federally funded training and temporary placement opportunities. Workers should consult with a qualified career or financial professional to determine if potential program eligibility aligns with their long-term employment goals.
The takeaway
The Ready to Work Act highlights a shift toward federal support for those experiencing extended periods of joblessness. Households should monitor the progress of this legislation in Congress to understand potential changes to local workforce training resources.
Further reading
For more on national labor trends, see the Employment section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Washington Informer.
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Should the federal government fund job programs for long-term unemployed workers?
