Legislature(2001 - 2002)
2002-01-22 Senate Journal
Full Journal pdf2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2003 SB 252 SENATE BILL NO. 252 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled: "An Act renaming the Alaska Human Resource Investment Council as the Alaska Workforce Investment Board and relating to its membership; repealing the termination date of the state training and employment program; relating to employment and training activities; and providing for an effective date." was read the first time and referred to the Labor and Commerce and Finance Committees. The following fiscal information was published today: Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 2, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Fiscal Note No. 3, Department of Labor and Workforce Development Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21: Dear President Halford: Training of our workforce is key to keeping the Alaska economy competitive in the future and making our state an attractive place for new business development. The State Training and Employment Program (STEP) has proven to be a valuable player in helping Alaskans find and retain jobs. The STEP is due to sunset on June 30. This bill I transmit today continues and makes permanent the STEP and its vital work. 2002-01-22 Senate Journal Page 2004 Since 1989 the STEP has successfully served more than 10,000 eligible Alaskans. The training and employment program is financed by employee contributions to the unemployment compensation fund and has actually reduced claims against the fund by bringing unemployed Alaskans back into the workforce. The STEP is under the oversight of the Alaska Human Resource Investment Council, renamed the Alaska Workforce Investment Board under this bill. The STEP was first established as a pilot program, but its success has led to its continued reauthorization through the years. It supplements and compliments federal employment and training programs, providing services when many other programs cannot. Renaming the oversight board the Alaska Workforce Investment Board clearly signifies the important role that body plays in guiding the development of our workforce. The name change also is in line with terminology under the federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998. In addition, the bill removes the limitation on the number of times the board could meet in a year. It also proposes miscellaneous amendments to update the statutes regarding employment and training activities. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor