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ETA Press Release: 13 States Streamline and Consolidate Job Training Programs [07/22/1997]

For more information call: 202-219-6871 ext. 154

Thirteen states won approval to operate their multi-million dollar federal job training programs with less oversight and fewer restrictions from the federal government, Secretary of Labor Alexis M. Herman announced today. The thirteen states have been approved for a variety of waivers from the federal Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) and Wagner-Peyser Act to make the programs easier to run and to tailor job training efforts to better fit the needs of individual citizens.

"The waivers will reduce red tape and administrative costs and allow states and local communities to provide customers with improved services," Herman said. "These thirteen states, in partnership with the Administration, are leading the way and making a downpayment on consolidation and improved performance for the workforce development system."

Consolidation and improved performance are among the key principles for workforce development reform, set forth by the President in his G.I. Bill for America's Workers. The Administration and Congress are currently working together to finalize legislation that supports lifelong learning and continues progress toward reforming, streamlining and integrating job training and employment services within a one-stop workforce development system.

The waivers enable the states to bypass certain federal regulations and customize their job training programs for displaced workers, welfare recipients and disadvantaged youth. In exchange for the flexibility to design seamless delivery of services for youth and adults, the states commit to accountability and improved performance outcomes for program participants.

Training programs funded under JTPA make up the nation's largest employment and training system. The Wagner-Peyser Act funds the public employment service. The Congressional Appropriations Committees added a one-year authority to Fiscal Year 1997 funding legislation to allow the Secretary of Labor to waive certain requirements of law so states can design their own programs with greater flexibility and less administrative burden.

The 13 states granted the waiver authorities are: Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee and Washington. Oregon received waiver authority in February. Additional states are expected to receive waiver approvals in the next several weeks.

Editors: For further information about waivers, see attached Waiver Fact Sheet and List of Contacts in the 13 states.

Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) Waivers

U.S. Department of Labor
Employment and Training Administration
July 1997

BACKGROUND

The nation's federal job training programs are moving from a complex, cumbersome, fragmented "one size fits all" system to a more integrated, performance-driven system that offers more customer choice, individual opportunity and is more responsive to local needs.

Consolidation and improved performance are among the key principles for workforce development reform, set forth by the President in his G.I. Bill for America's Workers. The Administration and Congress are currently working together to finalize legislation that supports lifelong learning and continues progress toward reforming, streamlining, and integrating job training and employment services within a one-stop workforce development system.

THE WAIVER AUTHORITY

As an interim solution to move ahead on reform, Congressional Appropriations Committees added a one-year legal authority to Fiscal Year 1997 funding legislation to allow the Secretary of Labor to waive provisions in both the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) and the Wagner-Peyser Act, as well as corresponding regulations, in response to state requests. This opportunity enables the states to bypass certain federal regulations and customize their job training programs for displaced workers, welfare recipients and other disadvantaged adults and youth.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR JOB TRAINING CUSTOMERS?

The waivers will enable state and local programs to focus on the customer's needs and are intended to stimulate innovative program changes based on state and local labor market conditions. Government red tape will be cut, and in exchange for the flexibility to design seamless delivery of services for youth and adults, the states commit to accountability and improved performance outcomes for program participants.

EXAMPLES OF GREATER CHOICE AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR JOBSEEKERS

Working with welfare-to-work agencies, job training agencies now have an increased capacity to pay child care costs for welfare-to-work trainees. 

Job seekers who want a job will have the option of being referred directly to a job without first being required to apply for job training and job readiness services.

Individuals can participate in training after they become employed to help them stay on the job -- fostering the "work first" approach under welfare reform.

The waiving of some past restrictions means laid-off workers can gain work experience essential for new careers; prior to this, they could only access reemployment assistance and related training.

EXAMPLES OF REDUCING RED TAPE

Simplified administrative requirements means paperwork can be reduced significantly.

Increased flexibility means being able to integrate separate workforce and education programs to provide people with a broader array of training and job opportunities.

EXAMPLES OF FLEXIBILITY FOR STATES AND LOCALITIES

State and local job training agencies can design workforce programs in accordance with streamlined and simplified federal requirements.

With fewer administrative regulations to follow, more staff and training resources will be available to serve more customers.

Instead of encountering a "one size fits all" approach, customers can work toward obtaining the best possible training and job placement that will meet their individual needs within the shortest time period.

CURRENT STATUS

Over 30 states have requested comprehensive general waiver proposals. Oregon received waiver authority in February 1997. Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, Tennessee and Washington received authority in July 1997. Additional states are expected to receive waiver approvals in the weeks ahead.

Additionally, a new demonstration project will allow up to six states to be given waiver authority through their Governors, eliminating the need to get prior permission from the Secretary of Labor. Eight states have applied for this new Work-Flex authority. Both waiver authorities apply to programs starting July 1, 1997, or when approved.

State JTPA Liaison Contact List for Further Information on Waivers

Archived News Release--Caution: information may be out of date.