2. Labor and Employment
Steering Committee
• Reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act/Funding for Workforce Investment Act
Title I Formula Grants: The committee will continue its efforts to push for reauthorization
of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Maintaining a local based, business led workforce
system will remain a top priority. This will include maintaining the current governance
structure which exists under WIA. The committee will work to ensure that any WIA
reauthorization bill establishes local workforce development areas that reflect local
economies while preserving, through automatic designation, those that have a history of
effective job training and placement activities, regardless of population; expands worker
access to industry-recognized skills training and credentials; enables programs to leverage
private, non-profit and government resources to better meet the needs of employers and
workers; and promotes innovation and flexibility at the state and local levels that respond
to local emerging economic realities and business needs. Oppose any modifications to the
Act which undermine flexibility and input at the local level.
• In addition, the committee will work to ensure Congress continues its support of the local
workforce development system by funding WIA Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, and
Youth state formula grants . The committee will oppose efforts to consolidate or
otherwise modify WIA funding such that the effect would reduce overall funding levels, or
otherwise limit access to services for jobseekers and employers.
3. Labor and Employment
Steering Committee
• Public Pension and Retirement Benefits Reform: The
committee will continue to monitor pension reform legislation
(e.g. H.R. 547/S.47) and federal regulations (e.g. “Definition of
a Governmental Plan/Normal Retirement Age
Regulations/GASB 25/27) and oppose efforts which seek to
undermine the authority of state and local governments to
make determinations with respect to state and local
governmental retirement plans, or proposals which seek to
eliminate or limit certain features of state and local
governmental plans. Furthermore, the committee will work
to oppose any proposals that make participation in Social
Security mandatory for public sector workers.
4. Labor and Employment
Steering Committee
• Veterans Workforce Issues: Working closely
with the NACo Veterans and Military Service
Task Force, the committee will work to
identify workforce challenges facing veterans
and military service members, and work pro
actively to support legislation that promotes
job training and employment services to
veterans and military service members.
