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—
- a. State Strategy Implementation
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include–
- a. State Strategy Implementation
III. a. 1. State Board Functions
Describe how the State board will implement its functions under section 101(d) of WIOA (i.e., provide a description of Board operational structures and decision making processes to ensure such functions are carried out).
Current Narrative:
The Indiana Governor’s Workforce Cabinet (i.e. state workforce development board; GWC) is comprised of leaders from business, workforce, education, and lawmakers who represent key industries and programs throughout the state. Members of the GWC are appointed by the Governor and serve two (2) year terms. The terms are staggered so that half of the members turn over each year. If necessary, the Governor will make an appointment to fill any vacancy on the cabinet, but only for the duration of the unexpired term.
The GWC meets bimonthly to discuss key workforce initiatives, strategies, opportunities, and challenges occurring in the State. The GWC intentionally convenes its meetings in communities throughout the State, hosted by a workforce partner. Not only does this shed greater visibility and transparency into the actions of the GWC, but it enables members to see the workforce efforts across the State of Indiana and to engage in coalition building with regional partners who might not otherwise be engaged.
The GWC is driven by its mission to ensure the workforce development system helps grow the State’s economy. In addition to performing the duties set forth under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the GWC:
Assists the Governor in creating a unified or combined statewide plan for workforce development that links workforce policies and education programs to the economic needs of the State and its regions in alignment with the vision and goals of the State strategic plan
Creates policy recommendations for the Governor related to the establishment and continuous improvement of an efficient, effective, and integrated State workforce development system
Oversees the progress of the State’s implementation of the unified or combined statewide plan for workforce development and achievement of the plan’s goals and strategies
Secures accurate and current data to evaluate all goals
Engages employers to invest in and upskill employees to strengthen the skills of the labor market
Ensures Indiana’s two-year colleges are structured and incentivized to significantly increase completion rates for the most in-demand certificates, credentials, and degrees for students
Encourages continual communication with local workforce development boards (LWDBs) to inform them of available resources and incentivize goal achievement
Aligns State agencies’ goals and priorities
Although the Governor has primary authority in WIOA local area governance, both the GWC and Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) have approval and signatory authority on behalf of the Governor for various WIOA local area governance activities. For local area governance activities requiring Governor-level approval:
If activities are specifically outlined within U.S. Department of Labor regulation or guidance as State Board functions, the GWC is authorized to approve/sign on behalf of the Governor (e.g., WIOA Local Plan approvals, Designation of Local Workforce Development Areas, etc.).
If activities are operational or compliance-based, the DWD Commissioner is authorized to approve/sign on behalf of the Governor. DWD will issue guidance on, review, and make decisions regarding these activities, consulting with the GWC as appropriate (e.g., WIOA Single Entity/Multiple Role structures, local WDB certifications, submission of bi-annual Nondiscrimination Plan, etc.).
For any activities that may overlap the above designations of signatory authority, the GWC and DWD collaborate and EITHER may approve/sign on behalf of the Governor. For example, the review process for Local Plans is conducted by DWD, with a recommendation provided to the GWC for final approval. Written approval may then be signed/issued by DWD, on behalf of the GWC, or may be issued directly from the GWC.