Back to Basics Job Creation Act of 2017

To amend title XX of the Social Security Act to provide grants to support job creation initiatives, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Back to Basics Job Creation Act of 2017 2. Back to Basics Job Creation grant program Subtitle A of title XX of the Social Security Act ( 42 U.S.C. 1397 et seq. 2010. Back to Basics Job Creation grant program (a) Grants (1) In general The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Commerce, shall make grants to eligible entities to assist low-income individuals and individuals who have been unemployed for at least 3 months in developing self-employment opportunities. (2) Timing of grant awards Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall obligate not less than half of any funds appropriated for grants under this section. (3) Preference In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give preference to eligible entities— (A) that serve communities that have experienced high levels of poverty and unemployment and low levels of reemployment, as determined by the Secretary using data reported by the Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics; (B) that demonstrate an ability to administer activities using the grant funds without acquiring new administrative structures or resources, such as staffing, technology, evaluation activities, training, research, and programming; and (C) that have established partnerships with other government agencies, community based organizations, financial institutions, educational institutions, or business organizations. (b) Use of funds (1) In general An eligible entity awarded a grant under this section shall use the grant— (A) to provide education and training for business and financial literacy, certification, small business plan development, entrepreneurship, and patent and copyright processes; and (B) to provide funding for new small businesses that pay employees at a living wage. (2) Limitations An eligible entity awarded a grant under this section may not use the grant— (A) to subsidize private or public employment; or (B) for any activity in violation of Federal, State, or local law. (3) Administrative expenses An eligible entity awarded a grant under this section may use not more than 10 percent of the grant funds for administrative expenses, except that none of the funds may be used for salaries. (4) Deadline on use of grant funds An eligible entity awarded a grant under this section shall expend the grant funds before December 31, 2019, except that the Secretary may provide an extension. (c) No effect on means-Tested benefits For purposes of determining eligibility and benefit amounts under any means-tested assistance program, any assistance funded by a grant under this section shall be disregarded. (d) Reporting requirements The Secretary shall submit a report on the implementation of this section to the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Finance of the Senate whenever either committee shall so request. (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated for grants under this section $5,000,000,000 for fiscal year 2018. The amounts appropriated under this section are authorized to remain available through December 31, 2018. (f) Definitions For purposes of this section— (1) the term eligible entity (2) the term Indian tribe 25 U.S.C. 450b (3) the term means-tested assistance program .

Summary: Back to Basics Job Creation Act of 2017 This bill amends title XX (Block Grants to State for Social Services) of the Social Security Act to require the Department of Health and Human Services to make grants to states, Indians tribes, or local governments to assist low-income individuals and individuals who have been unemployed for at least three months in developing self-employment opportunities.