HARRISBURG – The Senate today passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) to make Pennsylvanians more attractive to employers and improve workforce development programs.
Senate Bill 761 would use data that already exists but is not shared with local development boards in a timely fashion. Delayed information and data sharing limits these boards in efficiently analyzing programs and policy.
The Department of Labor and Industry and the Center for Workforce Information and Analysis would be required to share workforce data on wages, new hires and unemployment claimants with local workforce development boards.
“Without usable data, it’s impossible to know how successful our workforce development boards are,” Bartolotta said. “By sharing data we already have, the services can be modified so Pennsylvania is as attractive as possible to employers in all sorts of industries while using the tax dollars to fund the programs effectively and responsibly.”
The bill also calls for technical assistance and support for the improved data sharing model so local workforce development boards can use the information.
“We’re thankful that legislation to free the data has taken an important step forward by passing the Senate,” said Carrie Amann, executive director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “The bill will empower workforce boards and stakeholders with real-time, invaluable data, fostering more informed decision-making and a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving workforce landscape. We are proud of all our partners’ work in this effort, especially Sen. Camera Bartolotta who introduced the bill.”
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CONTACT: Katrina Hanna, 717-787-1463