An important first step in addressing the issue of obtaining a better fit between unemployment insurance (UI) and retraining was taken in 1970 when the federal government enacted a provision permitting workers to enroll in training without denial of benefits due to application of the work test. Little was done, however, to pursue state compliance…

With minor exceptions, the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) program is working well and is meeting its legislative mandates. The vigorous public-private partnerships that have emerged at the local community level and the strong leadership role assumed by private sector representatives on the State Job Training Coordinating Councils and Private…

Since the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) was enacted in 1998, considerable efforts have been expended at the federal, state, and local levels to effect the transition to the new system mandated by WIA. Several states phased into the new system in July 1999, and all other states followed in mid-2000. Active participation by partner agencies has…