HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) to make Pennsylvanians more attractive to employers and improve workforce development programs passed the Senate Labor and Industry Committee unanimously today.
Senate Bill 761 would utilize data that already exists but is not shared with local development boards in a timely fashion. Delayed information and data sharing impacts the ability of these boards to efficiently analyze programs and policy.
The Department of Labor and Industry and the Center for Workforce Information and Analysis would be required to share already collected workforce data on wages, new hires and unemployment claimants with local workforce development boards.
“Sharing data more efficiently will give Pennsylvania’s 22 local workforce development boards the opportunity to measure the success and shortcomings of specific programs,” Bartolotta said. “This will ultimately enable them to adjust programs so they more effectively connect people with family sustaining jobs while promoting the responsible use of tax dollars.”
The bill also calls for technical assistance and support for the improved data sharing model so local workforce development boards can use the information.
Having received committee support, the bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
CONTACT: Katrina Hanna, 717-787-1463