Located in:
- Program-specific Requirements for Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Activities under Title I-B
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include the following with respect to activities carried out under subtitle B--
a. 2. B. Describe How the State Intends to Use Governor’s Set Aside Funding. Describe How the State Will Utilize Rapid Response Funds to Respond to Layoffs and Plant Closings and Coordinate Services to Quickly Aid Companies and Their Affected Workers. States Also Should Describe Any Layoff Aversion Strategies They Have Implemented to Address at Risk Companies and Workers
Current Narrative:
Governor’s Set Aside Funding
From these state-level funds, the CareerSource Florida Board allocates certain funds for administrative and program costs of DEO and CareerSource Florida. Additionally, in accordance with Section 445.003(3) (a)2, Florida Statutes, $2 million in WIOA set-aside funds must be allocated for the Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) program, administered by the CareerSource Florida professional team. From the balance of state-level WIOA funds, this board determines any additional or specific allotments for purposes of state demonstration and pilot projects as well as other workforce development initiatives.
Rapid Response Funding to Respond to Layoffs
DEO Reemployment and Emergency Assistance Coordination Team (REACT) serves as Florida’s state- level Dislocated Worker Unit. When employers submit layoff and business closing notices under the WARN (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) Act, the DEO REACT staff make initial contact with the employer.
REACT staff request such information as the name and telephone number of the employer’s local contact person at each location, the type of business issuing the WARN, the reason for the layoff or business closing, and the possible applicability of the Trade Act. REACT staff then enter the WARN notice into the REACT database and distribute the WARN and the background information to the affected LWDA.
Each LWDB has a Business Service Unit that includes a Rapid Response Coordinator. Staff respond and provide Rapid Response services to employers who have submitted WARN notices or when Trade Act Petitions are filed. The local staff are responsible for making initial contact with a company official to obtain information relative to the layoff. If workers are still attached to the employer, the Rapid Response Coordinator will conduct Rapid Response Information Meetings to the workers providing information on the various services offered in the CareerSource Florida Center and through partner programs. Information covers Reemployment Assistance, Labor Market Information, training opportunities, seminars, workshops, job search assistance, etc.
On-site services are also offered when possible to any employer requesting Rapid Response. Routinely, rapid response visits are made to employers laying off 50 or more workers. When a layoff is smaller than 50 workers, the affected workers can be directed to the nearest career center for services.