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Business Spotlight: Focus on Workforce Training Funds and Youth Employment Workforce Training Fund (WTF) In an effort to close a $1.4 billion deficit in the state budget, Governor Patrick cut the Workforce Training Fund (WTF) by $9 million in October. The Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board (WIB), along with WIBs across the state, the MA Workforce Board Association, and key business groups, are calling upon the Governor to restore the funds. During these difficult economic times we must all cut back in numerous ways. However, the WTF is different because the fund is fully financed by employers through an assessment on their annual unemployment insurance contribution. The funds are critical to incumbent worker training and leverages millions of dollars of employer investments in workforce development. Representatives Robert Koczera and Michael Rodrigues have expressed strong support to reverse the cuts and are also working to restore the funds. We are cautiously optimistic as we await the Governor’s decision. For more information and to see how the WIB weighed in, click here to see letters sent to the Governor. Youth Jobs Bill Given the current State budget and the need to respond to the teen job crisis, Workforce Investment Boards across the State organized to contact Massachusetts’ members of Congress in support of a Youth Jobs Bill. Mayor Lang in New Bedford and the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board (WIB) weighed in with a letter to Congressman Barney Frank. The letter read in part, “We are writing in support of a new jobs stimulus bill for teens and young adults...” The attached paper, “Putting America’s and Massachusetts’ Youth Back to Work: The Jobs for America’s Youth Act of 2008,” was prepared by Dr. Andrew Sum from the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University. Dr. Sum’s paper makes a compelling case for including the Youth Jobs Bill in a second stimulus package, citing: A substantial decline in teen employment over the past eight years; A number of adverse consequences that result for the youth, their families and their communities; As well as, the economic, educational and social benefits of teen employment. Congressman Frank responded personally by telephone and stated that he agrees it would be good to get a youth jobs bill into the stimulus package. He said that although it would not come from his committee, he thinks this is a very worthy issue. Congressman Frank will provide his input and will be an advocate. The Congressman commented that the piece prepared by Dr. Sum was well done and thanked us for bringing it to his attention. We strongly support the need to enact a new jobs stimulus bill for teens and young adults and would appreciate your support. For a copy of the Sum article sent to Congressman Frank, click here. 227 Union Street, Suite 206, New Bedford, MA 02740-5946 PH 508.979.1504 • FAX 508.979.5680 E-mail: Webmaster@gnbwib.org |