Agenda: Forum on Workforce Investment Act and One Stop (HB 470)

Roy Willman and Gene Toole met with Joyce Kendall and David Boothe on December 3^rd for the purpose of gaining a better understanding of the Workforce Investment Act and HB 470.

Roy Willman observed that what we do in Adams County is really a part of a larger statewide picture. He indicated that there would be a state board that will make policy relevant to the WIA. At the local level the County Commissioners will make the decisions as to how the WIA will impact Adams County. Roy indicated that the commissioners have signed a letter of intent to join with Brown, Scioto, and Pike Counties in a consortium to administer the WIA. There are advantages to joining a larger consortium for this purpose. The formal decision to join with these three counties has not been made yet. Roy observed that maybe our group might desire to offer input to the commissioners as to how it will operate here locally.

David Boothe indicated that there were really four initiatives that impact School-To-Work as we have known it. They are:

1. WIA- Mr. Boothe encouraged the county's business and labor representatives get involved with the Commissioners and specifically the youth council.
2. Ohio It Works- This is the Governor's initiative on Tech Prep.
3. Department of Human Services- At this point in time it seems that Human Services will be the agency administering the "One Stop" program.
4. The Schools' Continuous Improvement Planning program

Al Norris pointed out that nothing has been firmed up yet as to how these programs will operate.

The youth advisory component will probably be part of workforce development. He indicated that while we are still waiting for guidelines, we could be sure that there would be eligibility requirements and that accountability or performance criteria would be an important component. He also pointed out that there may be a small increase in funding through the Department of Human Services. (TANF money) Mr. Norris also pointed out that WIA, which goes into effect on July 1, 2000, provides for a youth council. Ohio has looked at a state board with local boards and councils to deal with local issues. If the federal government approves the plan, there would be more flexibility at the local level.

Mr. Norris pointed out that for the past eleven years Adams and Brown Counties have had a Workforce Development Board with each county having a chairperson.

The new legislation requires that 51% of the board consist of representatives of private industry.

Mr. Boothe recommended that current structures be maintained and to begin a dialogue with the commissioners. He also indicated that there might be some funds available from the state's workforce development board in the form of competitive grants. One example of this is in the area of youth initiatives.

Joyce Kendall informed the group that according to HB 470, The Department of Human Services and The Ohio Bureau of Employment Services would be merging. This "one-stop" concept will provide for assistance in employment and family services under the auspices of one agency.

The discussion of the group about these new pieces of legislation and the impact at the local level led to a discussion about participation of all executive committee members. An effort will be made to encourage all to be actively involved.

David Boothe indicated that Adams County has been one of the more active counties in the Region 7 STW Alliance. Dave McChesney will be the new Chair of the Regional Alliance which serves ten counties.

Mr. Boothe indicated that the Ohio School-To-Work is receiving $1.5 Million to provide the transition being discussed. It was decided that Gene Toole would contact Susan Streitenberger, State Director to inquire how this money can be accessed.

The Executive Committee agreed to meet following the meeting to address membership issues.

The meeting was then adjourned.

Next Meeting- Tuesday, February 1 at 9:00 AM