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Explore the key shifts in Massachusetts' workforce development policies, from addressing cuts to planning for ARRA funds and green job initiatives. Learn about the state's focus on clean energy, collaboration, and pathways out of poverty. Discover how these changes impact job training, education, and economic development in the state. Engage with policymakers on crucial questions and priorities for a thriving workforce. Take action by inviting legislators to witness firsthand the impact of workforce development programs in your district.
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What’s New in Workforce Development Policy? The State Perspective: Deborah Mutschler, Executive Director Massachusetts WorkforceAlliance
Context • Economic development • ARRA – American Recovery and Reinvestment Act • “Green Jobs” • From contingency to capacity • New era of collaboration
The Cuts • 9C • House 1 (lines have changed) • Overall budget story emerging • ABE $ to 08 level; lower in House1 • DWD overall cut of $10.7 M
Planning for ARRA $ in MA • Info on-line at www.mass.gov • Jeffrey Simon, Dir. of Infrastructure Investment • Task Forces – Workforce (pgs 134-145) • Demand in construction trades, energy efficiency contractors, programmers for Electronic medical records • Long term need to invest in pre-apprenticeship programs, ABE and ESOL
How will that $ show up? American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (aka stimulus package) • BIG focus on Clean Energy • $52 million in WIA funds $125 million in WAP • Majority through current channels • Unclear how some monies will come to states and programs – Competitive grants • Estimating 79,000 jobs created in MA (us gov estimate)
Planning for Green Jobs • Clean Energy Technology Center (CEC) • Dual function of investment in green industry clusters and workforce development • Pathways out of Poverty Grants (released from EEA – being evaluated) • Workforce Development (to be released from Comm Corp) • Energy Efficiency Training Institute RFP (EEA)
Policy Advocacy • Collaborative response to ARRA • Clean Energy • Regulation • Investment • Transportation
Group Activity (20 minutes) You have 10 minutes with your favorite legislator. • What is the main question that you have for her/him right now? • What is the most important thing that you want him/her to know?
Final Thoughts Send a postcard! Dear Representative/Senator XXX, Job training and education benefits Massachusetts’ families, businesses and economy. As a training provider in your district, we invite you and your staff to visit us to see how we connect workers with the skills needed by employers in our state. Your constituent, XXX Org name Address