WIA In the US Senate
In June, the US Senate HELP Committee held a hearing to discuss the reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act. While still in draft form, the Senate bill is a bipartisan effort which improves integration of systems while increasing access to on‐the‐job training, incumbent worker training, and customized training. The Public Policy team will keep you updated on this process.
Employment First is Now Maine Law
On June 22, Employment First became Maine state law. Employment First is a national initiative which establishes community-based, integrated employment as the first and preferred service option for individuals with disabilities. The bill establishes a coalition of government and advocacy groups which will review current policies and provide feedback and suggestions to improve opportunities for integrated employment for individuals with disabilities. Maine and Washington are the only 2 states in the US where Employment First has been implemented through legislation and Executive Order. GoodwillNNE is proud of Maine’s leadership on this issue.
Sen. Collins Supports Local Approach to Skills Training
Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) recently introduced the SECTORS Act with Sen. Brown (D-OH) which authorizes federal grants to support the creation of sector partnerships. Such partnerships are a job development tool that is becoming popular around the country. These employer-driven groups of stakeholders from a specific industry work together with education and training institutions to more closely align job training with skill shortages. The SECTORS Act would be the first federal effort to support regional, industry specific job development efforts.
Rock Center – Not Our Story
NBC’s Rock Center recently aired a story highlighting Goodwill International’s support of the subminimum wage. GoodwillNNE’s policy and practice is to meet or exceed the minimum wage for all employees. If you have questions, please refer to our webpage or contact Jane Driscoll or the Public Policy team.
For more information or any questions about GoodwillNNE’s public policy and advocacy efforts, please contact Rich Cantz or Anne Nadzo.