Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include a description of the State operating systems and policies that will support the implementation of the State strategy described in section II Strategic Elements. This includes—
- b. State Operating Systems and Policies
III. b. 6. C. Use of Unemployment Insurance (UI) Wage Record Data
Explain how the State will meet the requirements to utilize quarterly UI wage records for performance accountability, evaluations, and as a source for workforce and labor market information, consistent with Federal and State law. (This Operational Planning element applies to core programs.)
Current Narrative:
A Maine Department of Labor Memorandum of Understanding regarding the use of Unemployment Insurance (UI) wage record data permits the MDOL to use the data in several ways. First, data will be used to measure and manage performance for: Title I-B Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth programs; Wagner-Peyser Employment Services; Trade Adjustment Assistance; Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC); National Dislocated Worker Grants; and other federal initiatives. Then wage data will be used for customizing and providing services to employers, and finally the data will be utilized to measure and evaluate long term outcomes and performance through the Maine Education and Attainment Research Navigation system (MaineEARNS) on behalf the department, other agencies, and educational institutions.
MDOL uses wage data to monitor the status and progress of participants enrolled in the Title 1-B, Wagner-Peyser and Trade Adjustment Assistance programs to certify work history for the WOTC program. The wage data will also be utilized to determine the initial and continuing eligibility of training providers approved to receive WIOA training funds and to be included on Maine’s Eligible Training Provider List. In addition, standard assessments and reports will posted on the web so that consumers will be able to easily access information that will assist them in making choices about the variety of education and training programs available in Maine, and the providers of those training programs.
By funding MaineEARNS, Maine’s policymakers have clearly signaled the move towards data-driven decision making in future rulemaking, goal setting, and program evaluation. Standard reports will be designed to provide information to evaluate the effectiveness of training programs administered by multiple partners. Standard reports will guide improvement of the workforce system by enabling administrators to evaluate program effectiveness and allocate limited public funds more effectively.