Officials from the Department of Labor & Industry invite stakeholders and the general public to comment on the recently posted Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act four-year combined state plan via a series of listening sessions.
The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act requires the governor of each state to submit a four-year unified or combined state plan outlining the state's workforce development strategy.
Pennsylvania's combined plan includes six core programs: adult, dislocated worker, youth, Wagner-Peyser, adult basic education, and vocational rehabilitation, plus several optional programs.
The state plan, which was drafted with input from the departments of Aging, Agriculture, Community and Economic Development, Corrections, Education, Human Services, and Military and Veterans Affairs, was posted online in December, and is open for public comment until 5 p.m., February 1, 2016.
There are three ways to comment: in writing via email to: RA-LI-PAWDB@pa.gov, through an online survey, or by participating in a series of listening events hosted by L&I. It is requested that individuals offering written comment include page numbers when commenting on specific aspects of the plan to facilitate responses to the comments.
Please note that all written comments submitted will be considered and responded to within the final state plan.
The listening sessions will be held--
-- January 19: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Community College of Philadelphia CCP, Winnett Building, Room: The Great Hall, 1700 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19130
-- January 20: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Butler County Community College, Public Safety Building, Room: ADMS Room 202, 107 College Drive, Butler, PA 16002
-- January 20: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Community College of Allegheny County, Student Service Center, Room: Auditorium (SSC 260), 800 Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
-- January 21: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Northampton Community College, College Center Building, Room 220, 3835 Green Pond Road, Bethlehem, PA 18020
-- January 21: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center, Room: Cafetorium, 2nd Floor, 1500 4th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16602
-- January 21: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Mansfield University, Allen Hall Building, Room: 104 Auditorium, Campus View Drive, Mansfield, PA 16933
Those wishing to offer comment at one of the listening sessions are encouraged to sign up in advance by completing the survey form. Please note that L&I will not be responding to comments at these sessions.
Any questions regarding Pennsylvania's WIOA Combined State Plan or the public comment process should be directed to: RA-LI-PAWDB@pa.gov.
For more information, visit the L&I Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act webpage.
