H.R. 2651: One Door to Work Act

The "One Door to Work Act" aims to modify the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act by introducing a new mechanism—referred to as the State innovation demonstration authority. This will allow states to consolidate and apply for funding for job training and employment programs in a more flexible manner. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:

Purpose

The bill allows states to apply for consolidated grants for youth workforce investment and adult employment and training activities. This is intended to facilitate innovative projects that may lead to better job outcomes for jobseekers and employers.

Demonstration Projects

• Consolidated Grants: States can apply to receive the combined funding for these activities, enabling a more streamlined approach to managing workforce development programs.
• Rigorous Evaluations: States will be required to conduct thorough evaluations of their projects to assess whether they lead to improved outcomes.

Waivers and Funding

The bill provides the Secretary of Labor the authority to waive existing statutory and regulatory requirements for states engaged in demonstration projects. This flexibility is designed to encourage innovation in how workforce programs operate.

Limitations and Requirements

• Only a limited number of demonstration projects will be approved per state, ensuring that not more than one project per state is conducted during a specific period.
• States will need to meet certain performance standards and compliance requirements, particularly related to accountability for services provided and the number of individuals served by these programs.
• Priority for services must be given to veterans, low-income individuals, and those receiving public assistance.

Performance Accountability

States must set clear performance indicators for the projects and record outcomes. These outcomes are meant to be evaluated against previous performances to determine if the innovative approaches are yielding better results.

Evaluation and Reporting

Each state will be responsible for submitting annual reports on the outcomes of their demonstration projects. The Secretary of Labor will oversee evaluations and ensure transparency regarding the effectiveness of the projects undertaken.

Relevant Companies

None found.