HARRISBURG - Legislation sponsored by Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) to help individuals in recovery from substance use disorder secure and sustain meaningful employment was approved by the Senate Labor and Industry Committee today.

Senate Bill 69 would establish the Recovery to Work Pilot Program to connect individuals in recovery with high-priority occupations through Pennsylvania's local workforce development boards.

"Steady, meaningful employment is critical to long-term recovery because it provides structure, stability and a renewed sense of purpose," said Langerholc. "This legislation moves people away from government dependency and empowers them to become active, productive members of their communities. We've lost far too many lives to the heroin and opioid crisis, and we must continue to offer a pathway forward."

The pilot program would be administered by the Department of Labor and Industry in collaboration with various state agencies and local workforce development boards.

Local workforce development boards would coordinate with the treatment and recovery community, local employers, apprenticeship programs and training providers to develop job training and employment opportunities tailored to local needs.

Langerholc has long championed the Recovery to Work initiative, introducing it in multiple legislative sessions. The Senate has passed this legislation in three prior legislative sessions. Senate Bill 69 advances to the full Senate for consideration.

CONTACT: Gwenn Dando