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Workforce Florida Weekly Update 1-12-06 |
CONTENTS The State & RegionsWorkforce Florida and the Agency for Workforce Innovation
launch comprehensive EITC web resource for Florida. As part
of a state-wide multi-partner EITC and broader “Prosperity
Initiative” WFI and AWI have developed an EITC/Prosperity
Partners online resource located at: http://www.floridajobs.org/eitc/index.html.
This web resource will be updated weekly with new materials,
press releases, information on EITC and Prosperity Campaigns
around the state. This year’s theme “From Earned
Income Tax Credit to Prosperity Initiative” will drive
the messaging as 2006 unfolds. For the last three years,
Workforce Florida, Inc. (WFI), the Agency for Workforce Innovation
(AWI), the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and
the Regional Workforce Boards (RWBs) have partnered to communicate
and implement EITC campaigns throughout the state. These
campaigns are focused on ensuring all eligible working Floridians
access the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) also referred
to as Earned Income Credit (EIC). The EITC can significantly
impact the total net income for a working family. The EITC,
enacted in 1975, provides a refundable tax credit for low-income
working families. Originally intended to ease the burden
of Social Security taxes and provide an incentive to work,
the credit has been modified several times during the years
since its introduction. The credit now provides a substantial
benefit to millions of American families. WFI/AWI/DCF/RWBs
have encouraged support from businesses for the EITC campaign
which increases net worker pay while also increasing revenue
recirculation. The EITC campaign benefits both the individual
citizens of Florida as well as the local economy. Other organizations
-- corporate, faith-based, non-profit, educational, financial,
public service and government agencies effectively incorporate
EITC education into outreach activities at both the state
and local levels. This year WFI, AWI and DCF are joining
with Representative Edward L. Jennings Jr. and recommending
that we maximize all efforts to ensure access to EITC for
all eligible Floridians; leverage all resources; consolidate
duplicative efforts; and expand our EITC Campaign to the
Prosperity Initiative which is inclusive of EITC, CTC, asset
building and financial literacy. AWI, WFI and HR Florida
will distribute a joint press release next week to encourage
employers to get involved on behalf of their employees. For
more information about EITC, CTC, and the new website or
to submit for inclusion your organization’s name, information
and/or materials contact: Governor Bush announces increased funding for need
based aid, creates a new scholarship program and an Access
and
Diversity Commission. TALLAHASSEE- Governor Jeb Bush and
Lt. Governor Toni Jennings launched the Access and Diversity
Initiative to provide incentives to traditionally underrepresented
students seeking an education in Florida’s state university
system. Further highlighting their commitment, Governor Bush
and Lt. Governor Jennings are recommending $52.4 million
in the 2006-2007 budget to provide additional need-based
aid and the creation of a new scholarship program designed
for students who are the first in their family seeking a
college degree. “As Florida continues to close the
achievement gap, it is important that our state’s university
system takes steps to increase accessibility, offering students
the opportunity to pursue their dreams of a higher education,” said
Governor Bush. “These recommendations will provide
necessary resources to open the doors of our higher education
facilities to many students who previously were unable to
pursue a college education due to financial barriers.” Florida
has seen steady growth in minority enrollment in the State
University System. Since 1998, Hispanic enrollment has grown
by 49.4 percent from 30,792 to 46,002. African-American enrollment
has increased nearly 28 percent from 31,413 to 40,141. Governor Bush and Lt. Governor Jennings announce new funding recommendations for hurricane preparedness, response and recovery. TALLAHASSEE – Governor Jeb Bush and Lt. Governor Toni Jennings last week outlined a $565 million budget recommendation of state and federal funding for emergency management at the Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida, Inc. The Governor was joined by Emergency Management Director Craig Fugate, Tiger Bay Club of Central Florida, Inc. President Fred Leonhardt, business leaders, club members and members of the community. Establishing a “Culture of Preparedness” for hurricanes is a top priority for Governor Bush. These new efforts will significantly enhance Florida’s ability to prepare for hurricanes, respond quickly in the aftermath of a storm, recover from the damage and impacts to the economy, and mitigate future threats to public safety and infrastructure. “Hurricanes are a fact of life in Florida and every Floridian needs to have a plan for hurricane season,” said Governor Bush. “Our ability to respond and recover from a hurricane is critical to our economy and quality of life. A strong response and quick recovery sends a message to businesses and tourists that Florida remains the best option for both investments and vacations – keeping our growing economy strong.” Governor Bush and Lt. Governor Jennings’ recommendations are:
Four hurricanes made landfall in Florida in 2004 – Hurricanes
Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne. The 2005 Hurricane Season
brought more destruction with the landfalls of four more
hurricanes – Dennis, Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Recovery
efforts from these eight hurricanes are ongoing in communities
throughout Florida. The National Hurricane Center has predicted
a continued period of heightened tropical activity, reinforcing
the need for Floridians to properly prepare for each hurricane
season. For more information, please visit www.myflorida.com. Bush encourages employers to recruit and hire persons
with disabilities. LAKELAND –Governor Jeb Bush last week,
joined by Senator Paula Dockery, City of Lakeland Commissioner
Gow Fields, Director of the Florida Agency for Persons with
Disabilities Shelly Brantley and members of the Polk County
Business Leadership Network, launched a campaign to encourage
employers to recruit and hire qualified individuals with
disabilities. At today’s event, Governor Bush announced
his recommendations for more than $1.3 billion for fiscal
year 2006-2007 to serve persons with disabilities. “Florida’s
growing economy and job market should be open to the largest
minority group in our state – persons with disabilities,” said
Governor Bush. “By fostering employment opportunities
and providing critical support and services for persons with
disabilities, we can empower them to live the American dream.
Individuals can become active in their communities, and employers
benefit from hiring qualified and hardworking employees.” Florida's business incentives pay off for state (from the Enterprise Florida eNewsletter - January 2006). The positive effects of Florida's conservative business incentives are felt throughout the Sunshine State, according to Enterprise Florida’s 2005 Annual Incentives Report. The report demonstrates that Florida's economic development and high-wage job creation efforts receive a significant boost from programs such as the Qualified Target Industry (QTI) Tax Refund and Economic Development Transportation Fund. QTI, which was re-enacted for five years during the 2005 legislative session, remains the state's most widely used business incentive. The 79 active QTI projects approved in 2005 are expected to create 12,534 new jobs at an average wage of $42,028 - nearly 128 percent of the statewide average. In addition to impressive figures like these, the report includes a comparative overview of Florida's Financial Services industry and incentive case studies. To read the full report go to: http://eflorida.com/intelligencecenter/reports/2005IncentivesReport.pdf Two Florida organizations receive 2006 MLK Day of Service Grant, Building the Beloved Community Awards. The Points of Light Foundation has announced the award recipients of Martin Luther King Day of Service Grants, Building the Beloved Community Awards. The Corporation for National & Community Service provided funding for these grants for National and Community Service. These grants will support the implementation of service activities in communities on or around MLK Day, January 16, 2006, that honor the memory and teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Two recipients are Florida-based – Volunteer Broward and Volunteer Services of Manatee County. Both received grant awards of $2,500 each. The Foundation received nearly 70 applications. The applications were of high quality and made the selection process a difficult one. Three internal staff reviewed each application and selections were made based on their recommendations, scoring and comments related to the criteria outlined in the RFP. Grant recipients have been notified by email and will be responding to requests for information to process their award. For more information visit: http://www.pointsoflight.org/. Florida manufacturers to recruit area students. A video to spark student interest in manufacturing careers will be premiered at the Sarasota Manatee Manufacturer’s Association (SAMA) dinner next Wednesday, January 18. “Made in Florida” was designed to create awareness of possible manufacturing careers for Florida middle and high school students. Board member Dr. Eric Roe will present the video which was produced by Florida-Advanced Technological Education Center (FL-ATE). You can get a short preview of the video at the web site www.madeinflorida.org. SAMA will be the state’s first regional manufacturing association to incorporate the video in the classroom. SAMA received a grant from the Florida High Tech Corridor Council that will allow them to fund the “Made in Florida” industry tours series. Students will view the video, tour a manufacturing facility, get a free T-shirt and take a quiz online that gives them the possibility of entering a raffle to win a free iPod. Workforce Board of the Treasure Coast launches new
Web site (January 5, 2006 http://www.scripps.com/© 2006 Scripps
Treasure Coast Newspapers). INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — Workforce
Board of the Treasure Coast announces New Web Site Targeted
at Career Awareness for Youth Jan. 3. The NationFEMA/HUD Program deadline extended by U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency. (FEMA - Jan 10, 2006). MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Displaced victims of Hurricane Katrina who still need permanent, long-term housing now have more time to sign up for a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)/U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) housing program. The previous deadline of December 31, 2005 was extended to March 11, 2006. The program, called the Katrina Disaster Housing Assistance Program (KDHAP), is funded by FEMA. It permits displaced Katrina victims to re-settle anywhere they choose in the United States or to return to their home state as housing is repaired and rebuilt. Housing assistance under this program is available to families who fall into one of three categories: those who received rental assistance under the Section 8 voucher program, those who lived in public housing or some other HUD-assisted property, or those who were homeless before the disaster. KDHAP provides up to 18 months of rental assistance beginning from the date of the official disaster declaration on August 29, 2005. Individuals and families who think they are eligible must first register with FEMA by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or TTY 800-462-7585. The amount of rental assistance given by KDHAP is up to 100 percent of the fair market rental rates for the area indicated. Property owners and landlords are encouraged to support the program by making their vacant units available to these families. Units can be listed with the local housing authority. To register with the KDHAP program, contact their Referral Call Center at 866-373-9509 or visit www.hud.gov . For this communication go to: http://communitydispatch.com/artman/publish/printer_3375.shtml. NASWA Workforce Bulletin Headlines – January 6, 2006:
For the complete stories go to: http://www.workforceatm.org/sections/members/bulletin/ Grant and Competitive Award Opportunities and NoticesFor additional information go to, visit the External Grant Opportunities page.Featured Opportunity:Workforce
Florida Solicitation for Facilitation and Evaluation Services
for the Strengthening Youth Partnerships State Initiative. REPEAT The
purpose of this Solicitation is to seek proposals for consulting
services that involve facilitating a series of
meetings between state agency representatives and evaluating
the outcomes of the goals of those meetings to: 1) guide
the interagency partners (including, but not limited to,
the Florida Departments of Education, Juvenile Justice, Children
and Families, the Agency for Workforce Innovation, Workforce
Florida, Inc., Volunteer Florida, and the ABLE Trust) in
building the organizational structure and governance relationships
so that this collaborative body becomes institutionalized;
and 2) provide an outside evaluation of the process and outcomes
so that the “lessons learned” can be replicated.
There will be a series of no less than five “face to
face” meetings and two teleconferences from December
2005 – December 2006. A summary report of each meeting
is to be reported to the partners via email not later than
two weeks after each meeting. An evaluation tool, to be developed
by the facilitator, to monitor progress and outcomes will
be made available to interagency partners periodically. A
final summary and evaluation of the interagency coordination
effort will be submitted to the partners no later than 30
days after the last meeting. Deadline: Proposals
must be submitted for receipt by the Agency for Workforce
Innovation
at its office NO LATER THAN 5:00 PM, EST, January 17, 2006. Facsimiles
and e-mail proposals are not allowed. Access the complete
solicitation document at: http://www.workforceflorida.com/wages/wfi/rfp/index.htm. Featured Award Opportunity:VFW National Veterans employment Assistance service awards nominations
For more information and nomination forms go to the AWI Veteran’s Program website: http://www.floridajobs.org/PDG/veterans.html State Grants(none) Federal GrantsFY 2006 Food Stamp Outreach Grant Competition Protecting Inmates and Safeguarding Communities Discretionary Grant Program University Center Economic Development Program 2006 Small Business Innovative Research Program (SBIR) Foundation Grants(none) Scholarships/AwardsExcellence in Workplace Volunteer Awards 2006 Better Community Awards 2006 Partners in Transformation Awards Program Math Moves U Grants and Scholarships Upcoming Meetings, Conferences and
Events
Workforce Florida Board and Related Meetings Schedule:For up-to-date WFI board meeting info please check the calendar at the WFI website. January 18, 2006 CANCELLED February 9–10, 2006 February 15, 2006 February 16, 2006 Other Meetings/Conferences/Events:
January 9-13, 2006 January 23 – 25, 2006 Monday, January 23, 2006 February 27 - March 1, 2006 USDOL’s Workforce Tools of the Trade Workforce Investment Systemwide Events Page. http://www.workforcetools.org/calendar.asp Odds and EndsPlace matters says CEOs for Cities latest report: The Young and Restless in a Knowledge Economy. The U.S. is on the verge of a seismic shift in labor markets, and fault lines will emerge to threaten a city’s economic future unless it succeeds in attracting the young, college-educated workers who propel today’s knowledge-based economy. It is difficult to overstate the impact that the college-educated 25 to 34 year-olds we call the Young and Restless will have on a city’s future prosperity. They are well-educated, adaptable, mobile and relatively inexpensive, comprising an important part of the so-called creative class. With rising demand for their skills and with competition for them now on a global scale, cities must be magnets for these highly-coveted workers or they will fail, because in the knowledge economy, it is the creativity and talent inherent in a city’s workforce that will shape its economic opportunities. The immediate challenge for cities is to attract young, college-educated workers who, more than any previous generation, have greater mobility, and they use it, moving to cities with the assets, ethos and opportunities that they seek. In understanding these young, educated workers, cities have their best chance of succeeding in the most competitive economic environment in history. But, first, cities have to shake off the complacency that comes from four decades of an ever expanding, seemingly inexhaustible labor force. For decades, the U.S. economy has been fueled by increases in the size and improvements in the quality of the nation’s workforce: the tide of baby boomers entering the labor force, the doubling of women’s participation in paid work outside the home and the impact of the number of college-educated adults increasing from 10 million to 50 million over the past four decades. But, over the next decade, all of the forces that converged to create our abundance of talent will collapse or reverse. This research on the Young and Restless identifies trends that are early warning signs for our nation’s cities and concludes that:
For the complete report go to: http://www.ceosforcities.org/documents/CEOs_YNR_FINAL.pdf. From SOUTHERN COMPASS -- January 10, 2006:
Kauffman releases report on "Understanding Entrepreneurship".
The Kauffman Foundation's new report, Understanding Entrepreneurship:
A Research and Policy Report, features some of the leading
thinkers about entrepreneurship. This report is for all who
are interested in knowing more about the importance of entrepreneurs
to the U.S. economy plus what makes our nation's entrepreneurial
economy tick. Download the full report at: http://research.kauffman.org/cwp/appmanager/research/researchDesktop?_nfpb=true&_page About USDOL-ETA. The USDOL Employment and Training Administration (ETA) administers federal government job training and worker dislocation programs, federal grants to states for public employment service programs, and unemployment insurance benefits. These services are primarily provided through state and local workforce development systems. To learn more visit: http://www.doleta.gov/etainfo/. Quote for the Week:"The
best way to predict the future is to invent it." [Alan Kay, born Springfield, MA, May 17th 1940; Kay is one of the inventors of the Smalltalk programming language and one of the fathers of the idea of Object Oriented Programming. He is the conceiver of the laptop computer and the architect of the modern windowing GUI.] |
