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Workforce Florida Weekly Update 6-21-06 |
CONTENTS The State & RegionsFlorida has lowest unemployment rate among the nation’s
ten most populous states. TALLAHASSEE – Governor Jeb
Bush last Friday touted Florida’s most recent employment
numbers, highlighting the state’s continued success
as a national leader in job creation. According to statistics
released today by the Agency for Workforce Innovation, Florida
added 270,600 jobs (seasonally adjusted) from May 2005 to
May 2006. Florida’s unemployment rate is 3.2 percent,
and its job growth rate is more than twice the national average. “Today’s
report highlights the strength of Florida’s pro-business
climate and our commitment to ensuring Floridians have access
to good jobs,” said Governor Bush. “Our state’s
vibrant corps of entrepreneurs, employers and their dedicated
workforce, along with a focus on innovation, will drive this
positive employment trend well into the future.”
In recent news, the Milken Institute Best Performing Cities Index report highlighted 12 Florida metro areas in the nation’s top 30 metros. The top three metro spots in the nation are all from Florida: Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, Cape Coral-Fort Meyers, and Naples-Marco Island. The Milken Institute Best Performing Cities Index ranks 379 U.S. metropolitan areas based on their economic performance and their ability to create, as well as keep, the greatest number of jobs in the nation. For the second year in a row, Florida metropolitan areas dominate the Index. AWI releases Florida Employment/Unemployment report for May 2006. Florida’s unemployment rate in May 2006 was 3.2 percent, marginally changed from April’s 3.0 percent and down 0.7 percentage points from 3.9 percent a year ago. Job growth in May continued to be robust, as the state added 270,600 jobs over the year, growing at 3.5 percent, more than twice the national rate. The national rate of growth was 1.4 percent for the same period. Based on the latest available data, Florida continues to lead other states in the nation in the number of new jobs created and has the fastest rate of job growth and the lowest unemployment rate among the ten most populous states. Florida's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for May 2006 of 3.2 percent was 1.4 percentage points lower than the national rate of 4.6 percent. Job growth by sector was led by Professional and Business Services (+58,100 jobs), Construction (+48,600 jobs), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+41,900 jobs), and Leisure and Hospitality (+32,900 jobs). The construction industry had the fastest rate of growth of all sectors, growing by 8.5 percent over the year. The Miami-Ft. Lauderdale-Miami Beach MSA led the state in employment growth (+63,100 jobs, +2.6 percent), followed by the Orlando-Kissimmee and Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSAs with over-the-year job growth in May 2006 of +39,700 jobs and +31,200 jobs, respectively. In May 2006, Walton County had the lowest unemployment rate at 1.9 percent. Hendry County was the highest at 5.0 percent. Florida expects to see continued strength in the job market with Manpower, Inc releasing its survey of employers for third quarter hiring. In Florida, identified as having some the strongest job growth projected in the nation, 41% of employers said they would add staff in the third quarter and 45% projected no change. Access the full report at: http://www.labormarketinfo.com/library/press/release.pdf. Florida Energy Act to diversify fuel supply, conserve resources and promote energy independence. TALLAHASSEE – At the project launch of Florida’s newest ethanol production facility in Tampa, Governor Jeb Bush last week signed into law a four year, $100 million plan to diversify the state’s fuel supply and promote energy conservation and efficiency. Joined by Senator Lee Constantine, Representative Adam Hasner, Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Colleen M. Castille and a host of state and community leaders, the Governor signed Senate Bill 888, which will reduce Florida’s dependence on imported oil, spur economic growth and increase Florida’s investment in cleaner, alternative energy sources such as solar, hydrogen and biofuels. “Reducing barriers and diversifying the state’s fuel supply will ensure greater energy and economic security for Florida,” said Governor Bush. “Grant programs and targeted investments for emerging technologies will speed up the development of viable, cleaner alternative energy sources and create opportunities for new industries, services and jobs.” Spearheaded by Governor Bush, the Florida Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency Act takes the first comprehensive step toward a diverse, reliable and secure energy future by reducing regulatory barriers to expedite electric generation capacity and providing rebates, grants and tax incentives to drive the development of alternative fuel technologies. For more information about the Florida Renewable Energy Technologies and Energy Efficiency Act and the State’s energy initiatives, visit www.FloridaEnergy.org. "Sunshine for Ex-Cons Looking to Work" By Christy Visher. Christy Visher, a principal research associate in the Urban Institute's Justice Policy Center, comments on Florida Governor Jeb Bush's initiative to review the restrictions that disqualify ex-offenders for jobs in state agencies, calling the effort an example that other states and the federal government should follow. Access the commentary at: http://www.urban.org/url.cfm?ID=900967&renderforprint=1. CHOICE is tops: Lieutenant governor praises Okaloosa education program (By Kari C. Barlow, Northwest Florida Daily News) SANDESTIN — Three years after Okaloosa County schools launched their CHOICE program for career Daily News Business Editor education, Lt. Gov. Toni Jennings declares it a model for America. “The CHOICE program is probably the most outstanding part of career education I have ever seen,” Jennings said Thursday at the Baytowne Wharf Conference Center. “Real training that translates into real jobs.” She was among hundreds of educators and public officials participating in a three day conference on career education and workforce development. “I’m looking at a room that knows the best economic tool we could ever have is an educated workforce,” Jennings told a packed house. The lieutenant governor has been a key supporter of CHOICE — Community High: Okaloosa Institutes for Career Education — since its inception. The program prepares students for college or real world experience in a variety of areas such as aviation, construction technology and instructional technology. Jennings said the state must replicate CHOICE in other counties to meet the growing needs of Florida’s employers. “It’s linking higher education with the jobs that are out there with the jobs that are coming,” she said. Jennings praised Gov. Jeb Bush’s efforts to spur job growth, pointing out the creation of 261,000 new jobs across the state in 2005 and 1.8 million new jobs in the past eight years. Those kind of increases do not happen by chance, she said. “They do happen when you talk about controlling spending and tax reduction,” Jennings said. Lawmakers must also commit to providing a steady stream of funding to link education with economic development in school districts across the state, she added. “It will allow us to compete not only nationally but globally,” she said. “That is the stage we are on.” Okaloosa Superintendent of Schools Don Gaetz presented Jennings with the first annual Toni Jennings Award, which will be given to a private or public sector leader who has contributed significantly to career education. Gaetz praised Jennings as “the greatest friend our cause has ever known.” “Toni Jennings was a classroom teacher who knew that education had to be lashed to the economy,” he said. “Without Toni Jennings, none of this would have happened.” www.nwfdailynews.com/. Freida Sheffield honored for vision for Florida youth at workforce summit. SANDESTIN - Freida Sheffield last week was awarded the Cindy Frakes Visionary Award by the Workforce Development Board of Okaloosa and Walton Counties during their workforce summit titled “Winning the Global Competition”. Freida Sheffield, a Florida panhandle native, has 28 years of experience in the field of workforce development, having begun as a youth counselor. She was the executive director of a Private Industry Council comprised of eight counties for 10 years and the executive director of the Chipola Regional Workforce Development Board, Inc. for seven years prior to working for Workforce Florida, Inc., Florida’s chief policy organization for workforce development. Ms. Sheffield currently serves as the youth program specialist and staff to Workforce Florida’s First Jobs/First Wages Council which functions as Florida’s State Youth Council. “I can’t think of a more important factor for Florida’s economic growth than our youth,” said Sheffield. “It is the kids graduating from our high schools and colleges today that will determine Florida’s future success in the global economy. It is no longer sufficient to choose an academic track over what we used to call the “vocational” track – all students need good math, science and communication skills along with the skills our industry’s need to keep us competitive.” The workforce summit, presented by the Workforce Development Board of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, is being held in conjunction with the June 14, 15, 16, 2006 CHOICE Replication Workshop. A broad representation of regional workforce board directors from around the state, school superintendents, state agency participants in the Strengthening Youth Partnerships initiative, private business members, economic development professionals, and workforce development leaders meet together today to discuss state partnerships and strategies to focus on preparing Florida’s future pipeline of workers. “I’m looking at a room that knows the best economic tool we could ever have is an educated workforce,” said Lt. Governor Toni Jennings, on her opening remarks as keynote speaker. The summit also featured Ed Barlow, renowned speaker and futurist; Don Gaetz, Superintendent, Okaloosa County Schools; Curtis Austin, President, Workforce Florida; and Dr. Rick Harper, Director, Haas Center, University of West Florida. Mary Lou Reed, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board, said, “The Cindy Frakes Visionary Award was presented to Freida Sheffield, a woman whose vision of Replication of CHOICE has elevated the image of Career Education in Florida as a 1st CHOICE in the eyes of business leaders, students, parents, teachers, and administrators. CHOICE is a most successful strategy for ‘Growing our own Future Workforce.’” The award was named for Cindy Frakes, a businessperson and an Okaloosa County School Board member whose vision for education and career opportunities, along with Superintendent of Schools, Don Gaetz, resulted in the award-winning CHOICE Institutes. Cindy chaired the School Board during the time that CHOICE was designed and implemented. Workforce Florida, Inc. (WFI) is the state's chief workforce policy organization and principal architect in the efforts to meet the current and future workforce needs and challenges of Florida's businesses and citizens. The Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI) is the lead state workforce agency and directly administers the state’s Labor Market Statistics program, Unemployment Compensation, Early Learning and various workforce development programs. WFI is a state partner, along with AWI, in the Employ Florida affiliate network of 24 business-led regional workforce boards and nearly 100 one-stop centers that provide employment solutions throughout Florida. The Workforce Development Board of Okaloosa and Walton Counties and their JobsPlus One-Stop Career Centers are the area Employ Florida affiliates. Learn more about all of Florida’s workforce resources and solutions at: www.EmployFlorida.com. Florida MEP gets $750K for hurricane relief. The Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership has received $750,000 in national money to help small to midsize manufacturers recover from the hurricanes of 2005. The Celebration-based group says the financial assistance award is from the National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership. The Florida MEP submitted a proposal for relief funds in March, as one of five eligible MEP centers in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Texas impacted by last year's major hurricanes. Among the five states, the group says Florida has the majority of small to midsize manufacturers in FEMA-designated counties, with 54 percent of businesses affected. "The very core of Florida's economy, its manufacturers, was dramatically impacted by high winds that ripped roofs off their facilities, heavy rains that saturated their equipment and inventories, and loss of electricity that brought business to an abrupt stop," says Gene Lussier, Florida MEP chairman. "This grant money will be used to help those manufacturers with the greatest needs as well as help workforce restructuring." Florida MEP says it has developed a program to assist the manufacturers affected by last year's storms. The group says it will deliver core MEP services, such as helping small to midsize manufacturers increase revenue levels and enabling them to participate in defense and commercial supply chain opportunities. Florida MEP says it will use grant money to educate manufacturers and help them prepare business continuity plans for the upcoming hurricane season. (Orlando Business Journal - June 19, 2006.) http://orlando.bizjournals.com/orlando/stories/2006/06/19/daily5.html. June 21 named Nancy Thompson Day. Bartow, FL (June 21, 2006)
- The Board of County Commissioners of Polk County, Florida,
proclaimed June 21, 2006, as Nancy Thompson Day, The honor
recognizes her role as "the voice of leadership development" in
Polk County since 1990. "Nancy Thompson's leadership
epitomizes the executive of excellence in every sense of
the word," says the proclamation. "She has made
a difference in enhancing the quality of life for the workforce
in Polk County that will always be remembered." To read
the complete proclamation go to: http://www.polkworks.org/content/interior.asp?section=news&body= The NationCQ Today Midday Update - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2006 – 2:08
P.M NGA Center outlines Challenges, Opportunities for state Welfare programs: New Issue Brief Examines Changes to TANF, Offers Guidance for Implementation. [Note from JenniLee Robins, WFI: This NGA News Release and the embedded NGA Issue Brief provide excellent resources to better understand the changes to the TANF Program codified in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2006 and strategies for meeting the new participation rate requirements.] WASHINGTON—In the wake of the recent reauthorization of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant program, a new issue brief from the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) helps governors and their staff understand changes to the program and develop strategies to implement those changes. Created in 1996, the TANF block grant program ended the federal entitlement to welfare assistance and gave states significant flexibility to operate programs. Over the past ten years, governors have been very successful in using this framework to move record numbers of low-income individuals from welfare to self-sufficiency. However, recent changes in federal policy challenge the states to do even more in the future. After a series of 13 short-term extensions that left states unsure about the program’s future and inhibited their ability to adopt major innovations or changes to their state programs, Congress reauthorized TANF through the passage of the Deficit Reduction Act (DRA) in 2006. Under the provisions of the DRA, states will need to engage an estimated 236,000 more families in work by the end of FY 2007 with no additional TANF funds and reduced flexibility. The provisions in the DRA include:
According to the brief, “While the recent reauthorization of TANF has increased time and financial pressures on states, it also provides an opportunity to review efforts to date, clarify goals and recommit to governors’ visions…Governors are again in a position to exercise leadership in setting a new course for assisting low-income families—one that helps families address barriers to employment, offers meaningful work and training activities that lead to employment and provides ongoing supports for job retention.” The brief offers guidance for developing strategies to implement the latest reforms. Key roles for governors and their staff include: setting direction by reviewing state investments, goals and priorities; taking stock of programs to identify strengths and areas for improvement; implementing program design options that maximize work participation; and monitoring progress toward goals. “Ten years ago, governors worked with Congress to reform the nation’s welfare system, a partnership that allowed states to adopt innovative approaches and initiatives to help families in need move into the workforce,” said Ray Scheppach, executive director of NGA. “Governors will meet these new challenges and continue to play a vital role in helping low-income families end welfare dependence and achieve self-sufficiency.” Access the complete Issue Brief at: http://www.nga.org/Files/pdf/0606TANFLEGISLATION.PDF. For more information about NGA and the Center for Best Practices, visit www.nga.org. House Appropriations Committee Approves Workforce System Spending
Bill. The FY 2007 Labor, HHS and Education spending bill approved
by the Appropriations Committee is now ready for consideration
by the House. Highlights of the FY07 Labor, HHS, Education
Appropriations Bill are available at: http://www.workforceatm.org/articles/template.cfm? House Committee Approved Spending Bill Would Rescind $325 Million From WIA Funds. For legislative language outlining the application of the rescission and a table showing the state-by-state impact go to: http://www.workforceatm.org/sections/pdf/2006/Recission_WIA-House1.pdf. IRS Issues Guidance to Hurricane Victims Claiming Casualty Losses; Safe Harbor Methods Available for Individuals. WASHINGTON — The IRS issued guidance this week to assist Hurricane Katrina, Rita and Wilma victims claiming casualty and theft losses on their individual income tax returns. The guidance, outlined in Revenue Procedure 2006-32, provides information on several safe harbor methods that individual taxpayers may use in determining their casualty and theft loss deductions under section 165 of the Internal Revenue Code. The safe harbor methods apply to personal-use residential real property and certain personal belongings damaged or destroyed as a result of hurricanes Katrina, Rita or Wilma. The revenue procedure provides three safe harbor methods that individuals may use to determine the decrease in fair market value of personal-use residential real property. The revenue procedure also provides a fourth safe harbor method that individuals may use to determine the fair market value of certain personal belongings immediately before Hurricanes Katrina, Rita or Wilma. These safe harbor methods provide individuals, who may have lost their records, or otherwise are unable to determine proper values, with optional ways to determine the decrease in fair market value of personal use residential real property and the pre-hurricane value of certain personal belongings. However, individuals may use the methods of determining these values described in Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts, rather than a safe harbor method. http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/content/0,,id=104345,00.html. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) this week released Immigration Enforcement: Weaknesses Hinder Employment Verification and Worksite Enforcement Efforts. For the full report GAO-06-895T, June 19, go to: http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-06-895T. For highlights go to: http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d06895thigh.pdf The Government Accountability Office (GAO) last week released the following LETTER REPORT: Equal Employment Opportunity: Improved Coordination Needed between EEOC and OPM in Leading Federal Workplace EEO. For the full report, GAO-06-214, June 16, go to: http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-06-214. For the highlights go to: http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d06214high.pdf. NASWA’s Workforce Bulletin - June 16, 2006 HEADLINES:
Access the complete articles at: http://www.workforceatm.org/sections/members/bulletin/bulltemp.cfm? Grant and Competitive Award Opportunities and NoticesFor additional information go to, visit the External Grant Opportunities page.Featured Opportunity:Workforce Florida’s First Jobs/First Wages Council has issued a grant solicitation titled ‘Replication of the CHOICE Career Institute’. (REPEAT) Only Regional Workforce Boards are eligible to apply. The purpose of this Grant Solicitation is to seek applications for projects that replicate the Community High Okaloosa Institutes for Career Education (CHOICE) developed and implemented by the Okaloosa County School District in school year 2003-04. This is Phase II of CHOICE replication which was started under a similar grant solicitation issued in November 2004. Submissions are due July 25, 2006; 5:00 PM, Eastern For more information go to: http://www.workforceflorida.com/wages/wfi/rfp/index.htm#grant. State Grants(none) Federal GrantsNational Technical Assistance Program (Repeat) Telehealth Network Grant Program Rural Health Research to Diverse Audiences Census Information Center Program High Growth Job Training Initiative Grants for the Advanced Manufacturing Industry (REPEAT) Foundation GrantsCaring Across Communities; Vulnerable Populations Scholarships/AwardsAwards for Heroes of the Gulf Coast Disaster 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. June 22, 2006 June 25-27, 2006 July 19, 2006 August 23, 2006 August 24, 2006 August 24, 2006 Other Meetings/Conferences/Events:
June 30, 2006 July 11-13, 2006
Watch the Conference website for further program updates and to register at: http://www.workforceinnovations.org/. August 21 –August 23, 2006 August 30 – September 1, 2006 Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2006 USDOL’s Workforce Tools of the Trade Workforce Investment Systemwide Events Page. http://www.workforcetools.org/calendar.asp . The Workforce Tools of the Trade website will no longer be active after June 30, 2006. Workforce Tools of the Trade would like to thank you for your support of this website for many years. We realize the value of up-to-date information, tools and services to help workforce professionals stay abreast of new and innovative resources and practices. Though the Workforce Tools of the Trade website will no longer operate, you will find many of the same tools, information, and features for workforce professionals on these two other U.S. Department of Labor websites: www.Workforce3one.org and www.CareerOneStop.org. Workforce3One offers workforce investment leaders and practitioners, economic development professionals, educators and employers an innovative knowledge network for learning, collaborating and transforming. CareerOneStop offers career tools and workforce information to workforce professionals, jobseekers and employers. Odds and EndsThe State of the Nation's Housing 2006 published
by the Joint Center for Housing Studies, Harvard University. Taking
data from the Census Bureau, HUD, Freddie Mac, the Bureau
of Labor Statistics and other sources, this report examines
the US housing market. The report includes data on: market
conditions (mortgage and vacancy rates, rents, home ownership
rates, construction), affordability (percentage of income
spent on housing, percentage of Americans facing burden),
and demographics (income level, race/ethnicity, household
composition, immigrant status, regions of poverty). Selected
historic data is also provided.
Access the complete report at: http://www.jchs.harvard.edu/publications/markets/son2006/index.htm. NCES Report: The Averaged Freshman Graduation Rate for Public High Schools From the Common Core of Data: School Years 2002–03 and 2003-04. This report presents the averaged freshman graduation rate for public high school students for school years 2002-03 and 2003-04 based on data reported by state education agencies to the National Center for Education Statistics. Rates are included for most of the 50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and three other jurisdictions for both years. Comparing the averaged freshman graduation rate among public school students in the class of 2002-03 to that of 2003-04 in each of the 48 reporting states and the District of Columbia, 32 states and the District of Columbia experienced increases in the rate, 1 state experienced no change, and 15 states (including Florida) experienced declines in the rate over this 2-year period. For more info and to access the full report go to: http://nces.ed.gov/pubsearch/pubsinfo.asp?pubid=2006606. The Florida Developmental Disabilities Council (FDDC)
is sponsors IDEA Workshops entitled What You Don’t Know
about IDEA CAN Hurt You! The workshops, presented by attorney
Wayne Steedman of Wrightslaw, will be held in Tallahassee
on July 11th; in Miami, on July 15th; and in Fort Lauderdale,
on July 17th. All workshops star at 8:30 am and end at 2:45
pm. (NOTE: The Tampa workshop is booked solid). Each workshop
will provide families and individuals with disabilities information
on the changes to IDEA 2004. The workshop focuses on new
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) rules
and requirements for special education services for children
with disabilities. Are You Ready for Hurricane Season? (from eFloridaVetsNews June19, 2006.) USAA, a financial services and insurance organization serving military members and their families, recommends all service members, retirees and veterans living in hurricane zones take a look at their homeowner’s insurance policies to see if they contain flood insurance. Separate flood insurance and wind policies might be required. "Additional Living Expense" coverage will take care of temporary living expenses while a home is being restored. Put possessions on camera. Create a written inventory of personal possessions that includes the cost of major items. Taking digital pictures or a video of belongings can help the claims process. Finally, it is a really good idea to fireproof and waterproof paperwork and records. Hurricane season runs through November 30th. Quote for the Week:“Grandchildren are God's way of compensating us for growing old.” Mary H. Waldrip |
