Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development Act of 2008 - Amends the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to provide for: (1) preparation and approval of state Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) plans for carrying out certain workforce development activities; (2) the integration of workforce development programs and community and economic development programs included as part of an approved plan; and (3) the award of supplementary grants to entities to implement approved WIRED plans and to states to carry out WIRED activities.
[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Printing Office]
[S. 2744 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
110th CONGRESS
2d Session
S. 2744
To amend the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to increase the Nation's
competitiveness and enhance the workforce investment systems by
authorizing the implementation of Workforce Innovation in Regional
Economic Development plans, the integration of appropriate programs and
resources as part of such plans, and the provision of supplementary
grant assistance and additional related activities, and for other
purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
March 11, 2008
Mr. Voinovich introduced the following bill; which was read twice and
referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to increase the Nation's
competitiveness and enhance the workforce investment systems by
authorizing the implementation of Workforce Innovation in Regional
Economic Development plans, the integration of appropriate programs and
resources as part of such plans, and the provision of supplementary
grant assistance and additional related activities, and for other
purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Workforce Innovation in Regional
Economic Development Act of 2008''.
SEC. 2. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE.
The purpose of this Act is to provide State and local governments
with greater flexibility in administering the workforce investment
systems, through Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development
(referred to in this Act as ``WIRED'') activities--
(1) so that the workforce investment systems give the State
and local governments additional flexibilities that are needed
to confront challenges in adjusting to the global economy and
that are based on the particular strengths of regional and
local economies;
(2) so that entities operating the workforce investment
systems actively collaborate with businesses, entities
operating government economic development efforts, entities
operating private economic development efforts, and education
partners to ensure systems that meet the needs of both workers
and businesses, and operate to educate and train workers for
employment opportunities that exist today and in the future;
(3) so that the use of workforce development funds to carry
out the workforce investment systems provides flexibility to
State and local governments that have developed workforce
development and related strategies for regional economies,
allowing for the adoption of innovative policies across the
workforce development, economic development, and education
systems; and
(4) in order to better integrate workforce development,
economic development, and education systems through increased
alignment of these systems.
SEC. 3. ESTABLISHMENT OF WIRED FRAMEWORK.
(a) In General.--The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 is amended by
inserting after section 192 (29 U.S.C. 2942) the following new section:
``SEC. 192A. WORKFORCE INNOVATION IN REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
``(a) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Community college.--The term `community college'
means an institution of higher education, as such term is
defined in section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1002), that provides not less than a 2-year program.
``(2) Implementing entity.--The term `implementing entity'
means the entity specified under subsection (b)(2)(B)(i).
``(3) Wired.--The term `WIRED' means Workforce Innovation
in Regional Economic Development.
``(b) Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development
Plans.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary, after consultation with
the other Federal agency heads responsible for the
administration of programs described in paragraphs (4)(D) and
(5)(D) and included in a WIRED plan submitted under this
subsection, may approve such plan for a region to support the
development of human capital in the regional economy in order
to--
``(A) foster economic development;
``(B) expand employment and advancement
opportunities for workers; and
``(C) promote the creation of high-skill and high-
wage opportunities.
``(2) Contents of plan.--To obtain approval of a WIRED plan
under this subsection, 1 or more Governors shall submit the
plan to the Secretary at such time, in such manner, and
containing such information as the Secretary may require,
including--
``(A)(i) information identifying the multi-county
region in which the activities provided under the plan
will be carried out, including identification of the
communities in the region that share common
characteristics, and a description of why the economy
of the area involved comprises a regional economy; and
``(ii) in the event that the establishment of the
region would result in the division of an area serving
as a local area on the date of the submission of the
plan, information describing--
``(I) the local board, one-stop operator,
one-stop partners, and other entities that will
serve the remainder of the local area; and
``(II) the transition that will occur to
ensure that the requirements of this Act are
carried out in the remainder;
``(B)(i) information specifying an implementing
entity to carry out the plan; and
``(ii) a description of a broad-based regional
partnership that has been created for the region
identified under subparagraph (A)--
``(I) that represents the major assets of
the region, including businesses, educational
institutions, research and development
facilities and programs, technology
infrastructure, and physical infrastructure,
consistent with the requirements of paragraph
(3); and
``(II) that assists in developing the
economic goals described in subparagraph (D)
and the strategies described in subparagraph
(E), and provides a forum for regional economic
decisionmaking;
``(C)(i) a description of the major assets of the
region, based on a regional assessment; and
``(ii) a description of information identifying the
strengths of, weaknesses of, opportunities in, and
risks facing, the region;
``(D) a description of economic goals for the
region, based on the assets and strengths identified
and described under subparagraph (C), and evidence of
support for those goals from the broad-based regional
partnership described in subparagraph (B);
``(E) a description of workforce development and
related strategies to achieve the economic goals for
the region as described under subparagraph (D),
including describing the activities to be carried out
under this subsection, consistent with paragraphs (4)
and (5);
``(F) information on the workforce development
programs that will be integrated in the region and that
will provide funds that will be integrated to carry out
the strategies described under subparagraph (E), in
accordance with the requirements of paragraph (4), for
an integrated workforce development program,
including--
``(i) information identifying the programs
to be integrated;
``(ii) of the resources available under
each of the programs to the local area or other
service area affected, the amount and
proportion that will be used in the region to
carry out the strategies described under
subparagraph (E);
``(iii) a description of how the resources
will be used to accomplish the goals described
under subparagraph (D), including a description
of the services to be provided, and how such
services will be provided, consistent with
clause (iv) and paragraph (4);
``(iv) assurances that, for purposes of
carrying out the WIRED plan, the integrated
workforce development program will include--
``(I) a regional workforce
investment board (which may include
individuals who are members of a local
board, or entities that are local
boards, on the date of submission of
the plan) for the region--
``(aa) that substantially
meets (as determined by the
Governors involved) the
requirements for local boards
described in subsections (a),
(b), and (c) (and (i) as
applicable) of section 117;
``(bb) that submits to the
Governors involved for approval
a plan for the region that is
substantially similar (as so
determined) to the local plans
required under section 118; and
``(cc) that will carry out
functions, and be subject to
limitations, that are
substantially similar (as so
determined) to the functions
and limitations described in
subsections (d), (e), (f), and
(g) of section 117;
``(II) an implementing entity,
which will ensure the maintenance of a
one-stop delivery system for the region
that is consistent with the
requirements of section 121 for a local
area;
``(III) service to populations
consistent with the populations served
by the programs being integrated, and
universal access to core services
described in section 134(d)(2);
``(IV) compliance with the
veterans' priority of service
requirement under section 4215 of title
38, United States Code;
``(V) coordination of services with
employment-related programs not
included in the integrated workforce
development program; and
``(VI) compliance with requirements
under this title relating to wage and
labor standards (including
nondisplacement provisions), grievance
procedures and judicial review, and
nondiscrimination; and
``(v) an assurance that, for purposes of
carrying out the WIRED plan, not more than 10
percent of the funds expended under the
integrated workforce development program each
year will be expended on the costs of
administration (as defined by the Secretary);
``(G) information on the community and economic
development programs (including portions of programs),
if any, that will be integrated in the region and that
will provide funds that will be integrated to carry out
the strategies described in subparagraph (E), in
accordance with the requirements of paragraph (5), for
the integrated workforce development program,
including--
``(i) information identifying the community
and economic development programs (including
portions of programs) to be integrated;
``(ii) of the resources available under
each of the programs to the service area
affected, the amount and proportion that will
be used in the region to carry out the
strategies described under subparagraph (E);
and
``(iii) a description of how the resources
will be used to accomplish the goals described
under subparagraph (D), including a description
of the activities to be carried out, and how
such activities will be carried out, consistent
with paragraph (5); and
``(H) in addition to the resources described under
subparagraphs (F) and (G), information identifying
other resources that will be used to carry out the
strategies described under subparagraph (E), from a
wide range of sources, including resources of
foundations, private investment from sources such as
venture capital, and resources of Federal, State, and
local governments.
``(3) Broad-based regional partnership.--For purposes of
this subsection, a broad-based regional partnership--
``(A) shall include--
``(i) representatives of the local
workforce investment systems in the region
identified under paragraph (2)(A), such as a
chairperson or executive director of a local
board in such region;
``(ii) representatives of the education
system in the region, including representatives
from--
``(I) local educational entities;
``(II) community colleges; and
``(III) 4-year institutions of
higher education, as defined in section
102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965
(20 U.S.C. 1002);
``(iii) representatives of businesses and
industry associations in the region; and
``(iv) representatives of local and
regional economic development agencies in the
region; and
``(B) may include--
``(i) representatives of local elected
officials in the region;
``(ii) representatives of the philanthropic
community;
``(iii) representatives of postsecondary
education and training providers in the region,
in addition to the providers described in
subparagraph (A)(ii);
``(iv) representatives of private
investment entities and private investors, such
as seed and venture capital organizations,
investor networks, and entrepreneurs;
``(v) representatives of faith-based and
community-based organizations; and
``(vi) representatives of other Federal,
State, or local entities or organizations that
may enhance the carrying out of the activities
of the partnership.
``(4) Integration of workforce development programs
authorized.--
``(A) Authorization for integration.--In carrying
out this subsection, the Secretary, after consultation
with the other Federal agency heads responsible for the
administration of the workforce development programs
described in subparagraph (D) that are included in a
WIRED plan, shall, upon the approval of the plan,
authorize the implementing entity for the plan to
integrate programs as described in subparagraph (B) to
assist in implementing such plan.
``(B) Integration.--The authorization shall give
the implementing entity the authority to integrate, in
accordance with such approved plan, the programs
described in subparagraph (D) that are included in the
approved plan (including the funds provided under the
programs). The implementing entity shall integrate the
programs into a single, coordinated, comprehensive
integrated workforce development program to achieve the
economic goals identified in such plan for the region.
``(C) Effect on program funds.--The funds
integrated under subparagraph (B) may be used,
consistent with paragraph (2)(F), to carry out any of
the activities authorized under any of the programs
described in subparagraph (D), or activities described
in subparagraph (E), that are included in the plan.
``(D) Included workforce development programs.--
``(i) Mandatory programs.--A WIRED plan
authorized under this subsection shall include
programs (to be integrated into the integrated
workforce development program) consisting of--
``(I) the program of workforce
investment activities for adults
authorized under chapter 5 of subtitle
B; and
``(II) the program of workforce
investment activities for dislocated
workers authorized under chapter 5 of
subtitle B.
``(ii) Additional programs.--In addition to
the programs described in clause (i), a WIRED
plan may include programs (to be integrated
into the integrated workforce development
program) consisting of--
``(I) the program of workforce
investment activities for youth
authorized under chapter 4 of subtitle
B;
``(II) the program for the
provision of employment services
authorized under the Wagner-Peyser Act
(29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.); or
``(III) any of the other programs
or activities provided by required one-
stop partners as described in section
121(b)(1)(B).
``(E) Workforce development activities.--In
implementing a WIRED plan and an integrated workforce
development program, the implementing entity shall
provide for workforce development activities that shall
include--
``(i) job training and related activities
for workers to assist the workers in gaining
the skills and competencies needed to obtain or
upgrade employment in industries or economic
sectors projected to experience significant
growth in the region identified under paragraph
(2)(A), which may include--
``(I) activities supporting
workforce development related to
entrepreneurship and small business
development; and
``(II) the purchase of equipment to
train job seekers and workers for high-
growth occupations;
``(ii) activities to enhance the training
and related activities described in clause (i)
and to promote workforce development in the
region identified under paragraph (2)(A), which
may include--
``(I) the development and
implementation of model activities,
such as developing appropriate
curricula to build core competencies
and train workers in the region;
``(II) identifying and
disseminating career and skill
information relating to the region;
``(III) developing or purchasing
regional data tools or systems to
deepen understanding of the regional
economy and labor market involved; and
``(IV) integrated regional
planning, such as increasing the
integration of community college
activities with activities of
businesses and the regional workforce
investment system to meet the training
needs of high-growth industries in the
region; and
``(iii) appropriate employment-related
activities and services, authorized under the
workforce development programs that are
integrated under the plan in accordance with
subparagraph (B) that will assist in achieving
the economic goals described under paragraph
(2)(D) and in implementing the strategies
described under paragraph (2)(E).
``(5) Integration of community and economic development
programs authorized.--
``(A) Authorization for integration.--In carrying
out this subsection, the Secretary, after consultation
with the Federal agency heads responsible for the
administration of the community and economic
development programs described in subparagraph (D) that
are included in a WIRED plan, if any, shall, upon the
approval of the plan, authorize the implementing entity
for the plan to integrate portions of programs, or
entire programs, as described in subparagraph (B) to
assist in implementing such plan.
``(B) Integration.--The authorization shall give
the implementing entity the authority to integrate, in
accordance with such approved plan, portions of
programs, or entire programs, described in subparagraph
(D) that are included in the approved plan (including
the funds provided under the portions or entire
programs, as appropriate) to carry out the community
and economic development activities described in
paragraph (2)(G). The implementing entity shall
integrate those portions or entire programs into the
integrated workforce development program as described
in paragraph (4)(B).
``(C) Effect on program requirements.--The funds
integrated under subparagraph (B) may be used,
consistent with paragraph (2)(G), to carry out any of
the activities authorized under any of the programs
described in subparagraph (D) that are included in the
plan.
``(D) Included community and economic development
programs.--A WIRED plan authorized under this
subsection may include portions of programs, or entire
programs (to be integrated into the integrated
workforce development program) consisting of--
``(i) community development block grants
authorized under title I of the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C.
5301 et seq.);
``(ii) community services block grants
authorized under the Community Services Block
Grant Act (42 U.S.C. 9901 et. seq.);
``(iii) public works and economic
development grants authorized under section 201
of the Public Works and Economic Development
Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3141);
``(iv) rural business enterprise grants or
rural educational network grants authorized
under section 310B(c) of the Consolidated Farm
and Rural Development Act (7 U.S.C. 1932(c));
``(v) rural business opportunity grants
authorized under section 306(a)(11)(A) of the
Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act (7
U.S.C. 1926(a)(11)(A));
``(vi) grants authorized under section
108(q) of the Housing and Community Development
Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5308(q)) (relating to
economic development); and
``(vii) rural housing and economic
development grants described in the Departments
of Veterans Affairs and Housing and Urban
Development, and Independent Agencies
Appropriations Act, 1999, the Quality Housing
and Work Responsibility Act of 1998, or an
amendment made by either of those Acts.
``(6) Performance measures and reporting.--
``(A) Performance measures.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall
establish performance measures that will be
used to evaluate the performance of activities
carried out under this subsection.
``(ii) Core indicators of performance.--The
performance measures shall be based on
indicators of performance, including core
indicators of performance consisting of the
following:
``(I) Entry into employment.
``(II) Retention in employment.
``(III) Earnings.
``(B) Recordkeeping and reporting.--Each
implementing entity carrying out an approved plan under
this subsection shall ensure that records are
maintained and reports are submitted, in such form and
containing such information as the Secretary may
require, regarding the performance of activities
carried out under this subsection, including
performance relating to the performance measures
established under subparagraph (A) (and any measures
adopted by the Governors or regional board involved).
``(7) Technical assistance and evaluation.--
``(A) Technical assistance.--The Secretary shall
provide such staff training, technical assistance, and
other activities as the Secretary determines to be
appropriate to support the implementation of this
subsection.
``(B) Evaluation.--The Secretary may require, as
appropriate, each State with an approved plan under
this subsection and implementing entity carrying out
such a plan to participate in an evaluation of
activities carried out under this subsection, including
an evaluation using the techniques described in section
172(c).
``(8) Administration of funds.--
``(A) Separate records not required.--Nothing in
this subsection shall be construed as requiring a State
or implementing entity to maintain separate records
tracing any services or activities conducted under an
approved WIRED plan to the programs under which funds
were originally authorized, nor shall a State or
implementing entity be required to allocate
expenditures among such programs.
``(B) Single audit act.--Nothing in this section
shall be construed to interfere with the ability of the
Secretary to fulfill responsibilities for the
safeguarding of Federal funds pursuant to the
amendments made by the Single Audit Act of 1984.
``(9) Federal responsibilities.--
``(A) Interagency memorandum of understanding.--Not
later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the
Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development
Act of 2008, the Secretary and the other Federal agency
heads responsible for the administration of programs
described in paragraphs (4)(D) and (5)(D) shall enter
into an interdepartmental memorandum of agreement
providing for the implementation of WIRED plans with
respect to the integration of programs and funds
administered by the Secretary and the Federal agency
heads.
``(B) Interagency funds transfers authorized.--The
Secretary and the Federal agency heads are authorized
to take such action as may be necessary to provide for
intra-agency or interagency transfers of funds
otherwise available to a State, or an entity within a
State, in order to further the purposes of this
subsection.
``(10) Effect on program requirements.--The requirements of
the statutes authorizing the programs included in an approved
plan shall not apply, except as specified in this subsection.
The Secretary may issue regulations to carry out this
subsection, including paragraph (2).
``(c) Wired Supplementary Grants.--
``(1) Definition.--In this subsection, the term `WIRED
activities' includes--
``(A) WIRED planning activities, including--
``(i) identifying a region described in
subsection (b)(2)(A);
``(ii) creating a broad-based regional
partnership described in subsection (b)(2)(B);
``(iii) conducting the assessment and
obtaining the information described in
subsection (b)(2)(C);
``(iv) developing economic goals described
in subsection (b)(2)(D);
``(v) developing strategies described in
subsection (b)(2)(E) and corresponding
implementation plans that identify specific
goals and tasks and provide a blueprint for how
to achieve the economic goals for the region;
and
``(vi) identifying resources to support the
plan of the region; and
``(B) activities described in clause (i) or (ii) of
subsection (b)(4)(E).
``(2) Grants.--From funds available under section 286(s)(2)
of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(s)(2)),
the Secretary may award grants--
``(A) to implementing entities to provide
activities that will assist the entities in
implementing WIRED plans approved under subsection (b);
and
``(B) to States to enable the States to carry out
WIRED activities.
``(3) Applications.--For an implementing entity or State to
be eligible to receive a grant under this subsection, the
Governors involved shall submit an application to the Secretary
at such time, in such manner, and containing such information
as the Secretary may require, including--
``(A)(i) for a grant to an implementing entity, a
description of the workforce development activities
relating to the WIRED plan approved or submitted under
subsection (b), including activities described in
subsection (b)(4)(E), that will be carried out with the
funds provided under the grant; and
``(ii) for a grant to a State, a description of the
WIRED activities that will be carried out with such
funds; and
``(B)(i) for a grant to an implementing entity, a
description of the need for the grant funds to assist
in the implementation of the WIRED plan under
subsection (b); and
``(ii) for a grant to a State, a description of the
need for the grant funds to carry out the WIRED
activities.
``(4) Performance and accountability.--A State or
implementing entity that receives grant funds under this
subsection shall comply, with respect to activities carried out
under this subsection, with any requirement applicable under
paragraph (6)(B) or (7)(B) of subsection (b) to an implementing
entity carrying out an approved plan under that subsection.
``(d) Authority to Carry Out Additional Wired Activities Under
Wia.--
``(1) Authorization for use of certain funds under wia.--
Subject to paragraph (2), funds available under sections 128,
133, and 171 may be used by recipients and subrecipients of
those funds for WIRED activities (as defined in subsection (c))
in addition to the other activities for which such funds are
authorized to be used.
``(2) Limitation.--In using the funds attributable to
workforce investment activities for such WIRED activities, the
recipients and subrecipients shall be subject to the
requirements that apply to those workforce investment
activities.''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 286(s)(2) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1356(s)(2)) is amended by inserting ``and
grants authorized under section 192A(c) of the Workforce Investment Act
of 1998'' before the period.
(c) Table of Contents.--The table of contents in section 1(b) of
the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.) is
amended by inserting after the item relating to section 192 the
following:
``Sec. 192A. Workforce innovation in regional economic development.''.
<all>
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
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