Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

COUNCIL ON WORKFORCE INVESTMENT TO MEET IN HAYWARD

MADISON – Governor Tommy G. Thompson and DWD Sec. Linda Stewart today announced the 2^nd regional meeting of Gov. Thompson’s Council on Workforce Investment in Hayward on June 12.

Gov. Thompson created the Council to develop effective strategies to implement the 1998 Workforce Investment Act, which becomes effective July 1, 2000. The federal law is the latest in a 20-year series of workforce investment acts designed to create programs to link workers and employers. WIA seeks to streamline services, eliminate program redundancy and foster public-private partnerships for the New Economy.

"I have presented the council with the challenge of ensuring Wisconsin continues to be a model for the nation in workforce investment," Gov. Thompson said. "I am confident the council’s work will result in building and strengthening the employment and training programs we currently have in place, and expanding upon them with new and innovative workforce initiatives in the 21^st century."

"The Department has been working in strong partnership with the public and private sector on bridging the gaps that exist between workers and available jobs," Sec. Stewart said. "We look forward to continuing to build upon those partnerships, to ensure Wisconsin's economy continues to thrive and grow with a strong and healthy workforce."

The 42-member Council is made up of leaders from business, state government, communities, organized labor and legislators. Their goals of expanding, preparing, sustaining and upgrading Wisconsin’s workforce could include:

• Individual Training Accounts;
• One Stop service delivery system;
• Work philosophy for accountability, job retention;
• Strong role for the private sector;
• More flexibility for States and Local Workforce Development Boards;
• Improved services to displaced workers;
• Improved youth programs.

The Council for Workforce Investment meets Monday, June 12, 2000, from 9 AM to 4:30 PM at Famous Dave’s in Hayward, WI. The Council will be welcoming new member James Haney, President of Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce.

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