Committee approves redirecting 7% of employer contributions into unemployment automation fund; reports bill to Finance and full Senate A committee substitute for Senate Bill 1053 to create an "Unemployment Automation and Administration Fund" that diverts 7% of employer contributions for modernization and training passed the Workforce Committee and was reported to the full Senate with referral to Finance; the substitute includes triggers that stop diversions at specified fund thresholds.

West Virginia is taking a bold step toward modernizing its unemployment system by redirecting 7% of employer contributions to a new fund aimed at boosting workforce development!

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#WV #WestVirginiaWorkforce #UnemploymentModernization #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #JobTraining

Senate Finance Committee advances workforce-readiness bill adding micro-credentials and portable benefits The committee approved a committee substitute for Senate Bill 402, which would establish a micro-credential program, expand apprenticeship tax credits, and create a voluntary portable benefits plan for independent contractors; the measure was reported to the full Senate by voice vote.

West Virginia's Senate Finance Committee just took a major step towards boosting workforce readiness with a new bill that introduces micro-credentials and portable benefits for independent contractors.

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#WV #WestVirginiaWorkforce #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #TaxIncentives

Committee approves substitute to implement Pell Grants for short-term workforce training The Workforce Committee approved a committee substitute for Senate Bill 490 to align state law with federal changes expanding Pell Grant eligibility to shorter-term postsecondary workforce programs; the committee voted to report the substitute to the full Senate with a recommendation to pass.

Big news for low-income students: Pell Grants are now available for short-term workforce training programs, unlocking new pathways to employment!

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#WV #EducationAccess #EconomicDevelopment #JobReadiness #CitizenPortal #WestVirginiaWorkforce

Committee Backs Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act Expanding Microcredentials, Apprenticeship Credits and Portable Benefits The committee agreed to the committee substitute for Senate Bill 402, a governor’s bill that would create a West Virginia microcredential program within HEPC, broaden apprenticeship tax credits to all U.S. Department of Labor–registered apprenticeships, authorize voluntary portable benefits for independent contractors, and streamline military licensure by eliminating a proficiency exam for qualifying applicants. The substitute was reported to the full Senate and referred to Finance first.

West Virginia's Workforce Readiness and Opportunity Act is set to revolutionize job training, expanding microcredentials and apprenticeships while streamlining military licensing!

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#WV #JobReadiness #MilitaryLicensure #CitizenPortal #WestVirginiaWorkforce #EducationInnovation

Mountain Transit Authority highlights public transit's role in workforce development across six counties Authority emphasizes public transit's critical role for workforce growth in six West Virginia counties.

Public transit is not just about getting from point A to B; it's a crucial lifeline for job seekers in rural West Virginia, driving workforce development and economic growth.

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#WV #RuralDevelopment #CitizenPortal #WestVirginiaWorkforce #EconomicGrowth #PublicTransit