The Workforce Solutions Group advocates for an effective workforce development system that increases workers’ skills, advances families to self-sufficiency and promotes job creation and economic growth.

The Workforce Solutions Group is a coalition led by the Massachusetts Workforce Board Association, the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, the Crittenton Women's Union, and the Mass Communities Action Network, Mass Business Roundtable, the Center for Labor Market Studies and the Massachusetts Workforce Professionals Association.

This broad coalition of workforce development organizations is dedicated to improving and reforming the Massachusetts workforce development system. Our unique strength is that we bring together a diverse range of employers, unions, education and training providers, community colleges, immigrant advocates, workforce investment boards, and interfaith organizations united by their common interest in having a strong and effective workforce development system.

Skillworks has approved funding for the Workforce Solutions Group to lead a public policy advocacy campaign. with the support of the Strategy Group.

For more information contact:

Susan Parsons

Director

The Workforce Solutions Group

One Washington Mall, 2nd Floor

Boston, MA 02108

Tel 617.259.2960

Fax 617.247.8826

sparsons@liveworkthrive.org

Skills2Compete Massachusetts

Report and Recommendations Released

Read Report

Read Recommendations

Massachusetts Jobs and Workforce Summit

June 22, 1010

Publick House, Sturbridge, MA

Governor Patrick was the keynote speaker at the Jobs Summit, which covered topics including: A View from the State House and Capitol Hill; Engaging Employers in the Workforce System; and Connecting Workers to Jobs. The Summit included over 300 business, labor, educationa nd workforce leaders from across Massachusetts.

See Summit Program

Sue Parsons of the Workforce Solutions Group on the Workforce Training Fund: YOUR OPINION: Legislature Shouldn't Mess with Success Patriot Ledger OpEd 3/16/10

Read the New Center for Labor Market Studies Paper on the Depth of the

Depression in the Blue Collar Sectors

• The Great Recession of 2008-2009 and the Accompanying Blue Collar Depression: They Can’t Make It Here Anymore

Legislative Hearing held at the State House on January 13, 2010 on H22 and H1813 to

Extend the Workforce Training Fund and Create a Trust for the Fund

(l-r, Barbara Emmanuel, Tom McDonough, Carl Lavin, Sue Parsons, Chris Martin, Alan Macdonald)

Workforce Solutions Group Executive Director Sue Parsons led the Panel in support of these bills relative to the Workforce Training Fund. The Panel touted the Training Fund for the immense benefit it provides for employers in need of training funds- the availability of these funds has literally saved companies from closure or from moving to other countries. The Panel also spoke to the unique aspect of the Fund in that it is completely supported by employer payroll taxes and is of no cost to the State. The high satisfaction rate of employers who have used the fund- 96% would recommend the program to other people- also speaks to the merit. Also on the Panel were Alan Macdonald of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Chris Martin of the Greater Boston Manufacturing Partnership, Carl Lavin of the Norwood One-Stop Career Center and Barbara Emmanuel and Tom McDonough of the BerkshireWorks One Stop Career Center.

Representative Rodrigues, who originally introduced H1841: An Act Eliminating the Workforce Training Fund, spoke at the beginning of the Hearing on his desire not to eliminate the fund but to extend it with the condition that it be made into a trust to prevent the diversion of money from this training fund into the general fund. A small business owner himself he originally opposed the fund because he was wary that it would be another payroll surcharge that would be misappropriated: now saying, “I have been converted. I realize what a great program the Workforce Training Fund is.” He also noted that other employers do not mind the charges either, as long as the funds are not diverted for other uses than intended- as workforce training to incumbent workers.

Read bill H22

Read bill H1813

Read the WSG Statement on the WTF- Here!

Read the State House News Blurb- Here!

President Barack Obama calls upon Congress to Reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act- Recognizes Massachusetts Success in ScienceRead speech to Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 3-10-09

Workforce Solutions Group Hires New Director - Sue Parsons

New WSG Director Sue Parsons, formerly the Mass AFL-CIO organizer to the Workforce Solutions Group, became WSG Director on February 2, 2009. She brings to this leadership position her 5 years work advocating within organized labor for WSG goals and reform. Of her new role at WSG, Sue says, "I look forward to working closely with our coalition partners to advocate for the creative solutions that the WSG brings to our state's economic challenges." Bob Haynes, President of the Mass AFL- CIO said, "As Director of WSG, Sue will continue to be a strong advocate for an effective workforce system in the Commonwealth that increases workers' skills, promotes family-sustaining jobs, and economic growth." Alan Macdonald, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable added, "We've been able to 'hit the ground running' this year, with Sue on board to lead our expanded group." To contact the Workforce Solutions Group or Sue Parsons, call 617-259-2960, or email sparsons @liveworkthrive.org

$787 Billion ARRP Funding Flowing to States In Massachusetts, our workforce development constituency faces both the challenge and the opportunity to create well-paid, family-supporting jobs throughout a range of industries while also directing funds into effective training and education activities that benefit a wide range of struggling Americans. And all this before July of this year! Many of our WSG coalition groups have advocated to policymakers that training is needed to ensure that low-wage and displaced workers have the necessary skills to take advantage of these emerging opportunities. Nationally $4 Billion in ARRA funding will go towards training. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Massachusetts is set to receive $64 million in funding as follows: $10,073,668 Adults $21,223,446 Dislocated Workers $24,838,038 Youth $8,063,456 Employment Services Nationally, $750 M in competitive training grants will be available for green jobs, energy and health care training. Read USDOL Allocations and General Guidance

WSG Awarded SkillWorks grant for Phase 2 of Public Policy Advocacy

The Workforce Solutions Group (WSG) launched its Phase 2 campaign January 1, 2009 with the successful award of a three-year grant by the SkillWorks Funders Group. The WSG is a multi-sector partnership that develops and implements public policy advocacy activities and initiatives to: - Sustain and expand funding for the Mass. workforce development system - Achieve systemic reforms that improve access to workforce development resources and supports by workers, job seekers, education and training providers and employers To meet the needs of the Massachusetts workforce development system, WSG has expanded its executive team for the work of Phase 2. The four original WSG members, the Mass WIB Association, the Crittenton Women's Union, the Mass Communities Action Network and the Mass AFL-CIO are joined by the Mass Workforce Investment Administrators Association (WIA Association), the Mass Business Roundtable, and NU's Center for Labor Market Studies (CLMS). Kris Dower from the WIA Association, Alan Macdonald from the Business Roundtable and Andy Sum from CLMS, add important perspectives to our partnership, along with the specialized knowledge and experiences of their organizations. We are pleased to welcome them as Executive Team leaders. WSG Phase 2 Year 1 Priorities: Continue funding for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund by dedicating ARRA money to this sector-based partnership grant program Support ABE/ESOL workplace based education Advocate for and monitor accountability reforms in the workforce system Promote services for youth and young adults through Youth Solutions Act of 2009 legislation Support access to education and training beyond K-12 and Workers Pathway to Self-Sufficiency legislation Implement a business engagement plan Increase the engagement of diverse memberss of the workforce development community in WSG leadership and the coalition The WSG Partners Group is a coalition of statewide and regional organizations and institutions responsible for deliberating issues related to WSG's public policy advocacy work. In Phase 2, we are expanding our Partners Group and inviting partners to participate in WSG committees to contribute to Phase 2 system change and funding goals. These committees along with the WSG regional networks will be vehicles for the involvement of diverse stakeholders beyond the Partners Group. WSG Committees Legislative and Administrative Policy Committee Organizing & Public Engagement Committee Employer Engagement Committee Research Committee At the WSG March 24 Partners Group Quarterly Meeting, committee priorities will be discussed and partners will be invited to become members of the committee of their choice.

WSG Legislative Priorities:Read the YOUTH SOLUTIONS ACT of 2009Read the Workers Pathway to Self-Sufficiency LegislationRegional Meetings to Be Held

The Massachusetts state and local workforce system leaders will be convening regional hearings across the state. We encourage our partners to check your region's date, plan to attend, and express the needs of your constituents, as well as your knowledge of programs that can address the goals of the ARRA. ·Boston Public Hearing set for Monday, March 23, 10 am - 1 pm, BPL, Copley Sq. Check the state's website for schedule of 16 regional meetings.Since December, members of the WSG Executive Team have been working with the State's Workforce Task Force on ARRA implementation, and helped develop its series of recommendations. For the interim recommendations, check the state's website, www.mass.gov/recovery
In December 2008, members of the WSG Executive Team worked with the State's Task Force on ARRA implementation, and helped form its recommendations.
>Focus on the employment needs of hard hit populations
>Publicly list and track ARRA jobs through One Stop Career Centers
>Designate a percentage of ARRA state-funding wide funding for the Workforce Competitiveness Trust >Fund and Workplace based ABE/ESOL
>Develop outreach strategies in the 16 regions across the state to maximize access to jobs and training
Read WSG Letter to Governor Patrick

Food Stamp Employment and Training Program                                                                                  **Food Stamp Employment and Training Program UPDATE**Food Stamp Employment and Training (FSET) Program allows organizations to receive a 50% reimbursement from the federal government for all non-federal dollars spent on education and training for non-TANF Food Stamp recipients.  This program was part of the Workforce Solutions Act/Economic Stimulus Bill..

Links to the pre-qualification form, which we urge you to fill out as soon as possible if you serve eligible people, and a Fact Sheet on the FSET program.If you have questions about the program please contact Anthony Owumi, Research Analyst

University of Massachusetts Medical SchoolTelephone #:  617-886-8107

Anthony.owumi@umassmed.edu

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSITIONAL ASSISTANCE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM click here for more INFO
Overview:
The Food Stamp Program is a nutrition assistance program which helps individuals and families buy healthier food that provides many nutritional benefits. Food stamps can give extra money for food so that budget dollars can be stretched. Food Stamps allow low-income families to have accessibility to a variety of supportive programs; including child nutrition programs which are vital for children’s health. These programs provide nutritional assistance to individuals and families with a limited budget, as well as utility discounts and fuel assistance.

Educational Rewards Grant Program

Established by the Workforce Solutions Act/ Economic Stimulus Bill has been released, applications are now availeble. Information and applications are available at your local One-Stop Career Center or Community College. Click here for more information,

This program funds grants of up to $3,000 for students seeking training in a high demand occupations. It gives special attention to low-income working adults and displaced workers.  In addition to paying for tuition, these flexible grants may be used to help with living expenses such as transportation and child care.

Read about the Grant

Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund

(L) Representative Thomas Kennedy joins Ed Lofgren from the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association during the announcement that Massasoit Community College would lead the Jobs in Boating project. (R) Secretary Bump along with her mother congratulate Michael Martin who provided a moving account on his successful experience in the At Your Service Program, a WCTF grant recipient.

Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund Grants

The Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund (WCTF) is the hallmark of the Workforce Solutions Act, a three-year initiative focused on several critical industry sectors. It is designed to enable a broad range of residents—including older workers, low-wage workers, low-income individuals, disabled citizens, vulnerable youth, incumbent workers and the unemployed—to gain access to employment, education and the skills necessary to move forward along a career path leading to economic self-sufficiency. Read more...

Implementing the Workforce Solutions Act/Economic Stimulus Bill

The Workforce Solutions Group has continued to meet and reach out to our partners to shape the implementation of the proposals we have worked so hard to see enacted in legislation. The following outlines the most recent updates. Click to open WORD documents:

Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund UPDATE

• See regional MAP Regional Allocations PDF
• Complete list of members... DOC

Workforce Accountability Task Force UPDATEFood Stamp Employment and Training Program UPDATE [SEE ABOVE]

Chapter 123 of the Acts of 2006 AN ACT Relative to Economic Investments in the Commonwealth to Promote Job Creation, Economic Stability, and Competitiveness in the Massachusetts Economy.

Workforce Solutions Group members are working with the state Departments of Workforce Development, Education, Transitional Assistance and the Commonwealth Corporation on implementation of the historic workforce investments in Massachusetts workers and employers passed by the Legislature including the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund; School to Career Connecting Activities; One-Stop Career Centers; Food Stamp Employment and Training Program and Extended Career Career Ladder Initiative. Several members of the WSG are on the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund Advisory Committee and working subcommittees

The Workforce Solutions Group (WSG) is a coalition led by the Massachusetts Workforce Board Association, the Massachusetts Communities Action Network the Massachusetts AFL-CIO, The Crittendon Women’s Union, the Mass Business Roundtable, the Center for Labor Market Studies and the Workforce Investment Association of Mass. WSG advocates for an effective workforce development system that increases workers’ skills, advances families to self-sufficiency and promotes job creation and economic growth.

SkillWorks, the largest public/private investment in workforce development in Boston’s history, is an ambitious effort on the part of philanthropy, government, community organizations, unions, and employers to create a workforce development system that helps low to moderate income residents move to family-sustaining jobs and helps employers find and retain skilled employees.

The Workforce Solutions Group’s PDF statewide public policy and advocacy work is made possible though a 5 year grant from SkillWorks, a group of eight local and national foundations. SkillWorks, formerly the Boston Workforce Development Initiative, is an ambitious effort on the part of philanthropy, government, community organizations, unions, and employers to create a workforce development system that:

• Helps low-skill, low-income residents move to family-sustaining jobs; and
• Helps employers find and retain skilled employees.

For more information about the strategies and programs of SkillWorks, please visit their web site at SkillWorksClick on SkillWorks Brochure

Find out more about the work and constituencies of our other partners by visiting their web site's below:

• MA Workforce Board Association MA AFL-CIO The Women’s UnionMassachusetts Communities Action NetworkCenter for Labor Market Studies, Northeastern UniversityMassachusetts Business RoundtableWorkforce Investment Association of Mass. The Strategy Group

More about out coalition partners in the Workforce Solutions Group

• Associated Industries of MAMA Coalition for Adult EducationMA Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy CoalitionMA Executive Office of Community Colleges
• MA Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

Labor market research reports prepared for the Workforce Solutions Group by the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University. List of reports...