Sec. 2. Education and training pilot program. By October 1, 2005, the Department of Labor shall develop within its existing resources an education and training pilot program, referred to in this section as "the program," for unemployed part-time workers as described in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 26, section 1192, subsection 3, paragraph A that is designed to enhance the employability and economic security of those workers.

1. Design of program. In designing the program, the department shall:

A. Develop methods to facilitate the participants' efficient transition from receiving compensation under the unemployment compensation insurance system to obtaining new job placements;

B. Minimize the impact on the Unemployment Trust Fund from extending unemployment compensation benefits to unemployed part-time workers and explore methods to stabilize the fund;

C. Maximize the use of its existing resources in order to deliver the education and training services and ensure that necessary support services are made available to participants in the program; and

D. Operate the program through the career center network in partnership with community-based education programs, including local adult education programs, the Maine Community College System and the University of Maine System.

2. Report. The department shall report on the results of the program to the Joint Standing Committee on Labor by January 15, 2006, together with recommendations on making permanent such an education and training program, any necessary implementing legislation and any additional recommendations that would increase the availability of skilled workers for Maine's businesses. After receipt and review of the report and recommendations, the Joint Standing Committee on Labor shall report out legislation to make permanent an education and training program for unemployed part-time workers.

Sec. 3. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.