The Workforce Investment Act of 1998

1

• The Workforce Investment Act of 1998
• (PL 105-220)
• Summary by
• Chris Thompson, Ph.D.
• (202/624-7857, cthompson_at_nga.org)
• to the
• NASWB Chairs Summer 2000 Meeting
• SunValley, Idaho
• August 26, 2000

2
Theory a new Workforce Investment System for a
New Economy

• Core Principles
• rationalization of govt services
• customer focus
• universal access
• work-first approach
• private employer involvement
• increased flexibility accountability.

3
Practice From JTPA to WIA

• from sub-populations to universal access
• employers job-seekers as customers
• expanded one-stop systems
• seamless delivery
• sequential client service stages core,
  intensive, training
• SDAs/PICs evolve into LWIAs/LWIBs
• HRICs/JTCCs evolve into SWIBs

4
Practice (contd)

• demand-driven state local 5-year plans
• enhanced employment statistics, MIS, client
  tracking systems, outcomes-focused measures,
  system accountability
• state as accountable performance unit
• enhanced consumer choice through ITAs
• eligible training provider lists, performance
  measures, standards
• youth councils.

5
Progress-to-date our quick read

• Formal implementation status
• 23 early implementors (matrix in TAB 3)
• 54 states/ territories/ outlying areas submitted
  by Apr 1 2000
• now in negotiated modifications phase, prob.
  until Dec 2000 RAs as mentors.
• Accomplishments
• boards in place strategic directions chosen
• one-stops functional.

6
Progress-to-date (contd)

• Works in progress
• statewide eligible provider lists
• ITA systems
• Opportunities for improvement
• system-wide performance measures
• unification
• integration of welfare/TANF, WIA system
• thinking ahead.