(1) There is a Montana HELP Act employer grant program to encourage employers to hire or train program participants in skills that will allow them to:
(a) obtain new or improved employment;
(b) obtain employment with health care benefits;
(c) earn a wage that allows them to purchase their own health insurance coverage; or
(d) improve their long-term financial security.
(2) The department shall establish criteria for awarding grants. The criteria must take into consideration, at a minimum, the number of program participants affected and the likelihood that the proposed grant activity will improve:
(a) the chances that program participants will succeed in obtaining employment meeting the goals of subsection (1); or
(b) the financial security of program participants through efforts that include:
(i) financial and credit counseling; and
(ii) educational opportunities related to managing finances and setting and reaching financial goals.
(3) The department shall adopt rules establishing grant application, evaluation, and award criteria and processes.