Bill description: HB 432 would move the Workforce Development Task Force into the Office of the Governor as the new Workforce Development Council.

Rating: 0

Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does it decrease government spending or debt? 


HB 432 would decrease the spending put towards workforce development programs by $521,300 and would eliminate 7.42 FTP (Full Time Personnel). This reduction would be achieved by taking away $9,074,400 in spending authority from the Department of Labor and 12.42 FTP from the department (see Governor’s Rec. on pg. 5-46 LBB). However, HB 432 would add five FTP and $8,553,100 in spending for the Office of the Governor.

(+1)

Does it transfer a function of the private sector to the government? Examples include government ownership or control of any providers of goods or services such as the Land Board's purchase of a self-storage facility, mandatory emissions testing, or pre-kindergarten. Conversely, does it eliminate a function of government or return a function of government to the private sector? 


HB 432 will programs that should be the responsibility of the private sector and put it under the purview of the Workforce Development Council. Currently, I.C. § 72-1336A(5) limits the type of work that can be done through youth employment and job training programs that the council is involved withPer current law: all programs done in conjunction with the council must:

(a)  Result in an increase in employment opportunities for youth that would not otherwise be available;

(b)  Not result in the displacement or partial displacement of currently employed workers;

(c)  Not impair existing contracts for services or result in the substitution of funds available under this section for other funds in connection with work that would otherwise be performed;

(d)  Not substitute jobs that are assisted pursuant to this section for existing federally assisted jobs;

(e)  Not employ any person when any other person is on layoff by an employer from the same or any substantially equivalent job in the same area; and

(f)  Not be used to employ any person to fill a job opening created by the act of an employer in laying off or terminating employment of any regular employee in anticipation of filling the vacancy by hiring a person to be supported pursuant to this section.

The above conditions would all be eliminated under HB 432, thereby allowing the council expanded latitude to fund, manage, and develop programs that would otherwise be limited. This would further expand the state government’s role in providing workforce training and education, a responsibility that belongs with individual employers training their employees and with those in the workforce who seek to improve their skills.

(-1)