STATEMENT OF SCOPE
Department of Workforce Development
Rule No:
DWD 801
Relating to:
Wisconsin Fast Forward Workforce Training Grants
Rule Type
Permanent
Detailed Description of the Objective of the Proposed Rule
The Wisconsin Fast Forward grant program is a nationally recognized, innovative talent development solution driven by Wisconsin businesses to train and retain highly skilled workers. Grant funds support short-term and medium-term employer-led worker training projects that encourage increased collaboration between Wisconsin businesses and workforce training partners, fill current and ongoing skill requirements of Wisconsin employers and place workers in long-term positions with opportunities for professional growth and economic advancement.
The department plans to comprehensively review ch. DWD 801 to update and clarify department policies to administer grants for the training of unemployment and underemployed workers. The proposed rule will also include updates as needed to ensure the program continues to deliver anticipated results and effectively and efficiently cultivate a strong environment for private sector job creation by helping businesses train highly skilled workers to fill current job openings and meet ongoing skill requirements. Description of Existing Policies Relevant to the Rule, New Policies Proposed to be Included in the Rule, and an Analysis of Policy Alternatives
Section 106.27, Stats., directs the department to award grants to public and private organizations for the development and implementation of workforce training programs. Grants awarded may be used for the training of unemployed and underemployed workers and incumbent employees of businesses in Wisconsin. The proposed rule may do any of the following: • Amend the definition of "applicant" to include a business, private entity or a consortium of businesses under the auspices of a public agency.
• Clarify the meaning of "decision" under s. DWD 801.06 (3) and revise the 60-day timeline if the department determines additional time is required to complete the review of an application. • Provide clarity with respect to employment and wage outcomes, by trainee classification, that will be anticipated and measured under approved grants.
• Create a definition related to customized training and update current definitions under s. DWD 801.03 as necessary. • Clarify the qualifications and standards to determine what qualifies as a "match" under s. DWD 801.08. • Modify or eliminate the grant limits contained in s. DWD 801.10. • Increase the limit of grant funding that a grantee may spend on administrative costs under s. DWD 801.09 (3), if the applicant does not identify a match greater than 1-1. • Modify ch. DWD 801 to update and clarify department policies. If the department does not promulgate the rule, the department would continue to operate under the current, outdated rule which restricts the program from being as responsive and efficient as possible. In addition, operating costs would increase and could possibly result in delayed grantee accountability for use of grant funds.
Detailed explanation of statutory authority for the rule, including the statutory citation and language
"Promulgate rules prescribing procedures and criteria for awarding grants under sub. (1) and the information with respect to those grants that must be contained in the reports required under subd. 3."
Estimate of amount of time that state employees will spend developing the rule and other resources necessary to develop the rule
The total amount of staff time is estimated to be approximately 150 hours.
List with description of all entities that may be affected by the proposed rule
The proposed rule will primarily affect employers or organizations that are interested or involved in providing workforce training programs; and, individuals who are seeking training to improve their prospects for obtaining employment. This includes Workforce Development Board, Technical Colleges, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC), Wisconsin Manufacturers Commission (WMC), the Small Business Advisory Council, and potential grant applicants who subscribe to the Wisconsin Fast Forward listserv.
Summary and preliminary comparison with any existing or proposed federal regulation that is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule
20 CFR 652 relating to the establishment and functioning of state employment service, basic purpose is to improve the functioning of the nation's labor markets by bringing together individuals who are seeking employment and employers who are seeking workers. Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule (note if the rule is likely to have an economic impact on small businesses)
The proposed rule is anticipated to have a positive economic impact.
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