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Kansas and Idaho Merge Economic and Workforce Programs

Kansas and Idaho join a growing cluster of states that have combined workforce and economic development programs into a single agency. Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne plans to merge the Department of Labor, which houses most workforce programs, with the Department of Commerce, which contains most business attraction and retention programs. State legislation will be the vehicle for the merger, and the move is expected to eliminate duplication of services and maximize resources.

Contact: Neil Ridley
Social, Economic and Workforce Programs Division

http://www.nga.org/center/frontAndCenter/1,1188,C_FRONT_CENTER%5ED_6416,00.html

In a similar action, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius authorized the shift of most federally funded employment and training programs from the Department of Human Resources to the Department of Commerce. The Governor’s executive order brings together a range of programs focused on employment services, job training, job creation, business attraction and business retention. Missouri, Michigan and Minnesota are other states that have centralized the administration of workforce and economic development programs.

Related Links:

* Idaho Governor State of the State Address http://www.nga.org/governors/1,1169,C_SPEECH%5ED_6314,00.html

* Kansas Governor’s Press Release http://www.ksgovernor.org/news/docs/news_rel011404b.html

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