Lawmakers have deal for workforce funding

Iowa lawmakers said Tuesday the have reached an agreement to maintain funding this year for 36 workforce development centers that help unemployed people around the state.

The policy agreement will uphold the $8.67 million spending approved by the Legislature last year and prevent the closure of any more centers this year. The House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to approve the package later this week.

Rep. Chris Hall, D-Sioux City, said the agreement is crucial because most jobs now require some training beyond high school.

?The agreement reached will make sure businesses can find skilled workers and Iowans can get the skills they need to land a high-quality job,? Hall said.

The Iowa Supreme Court ruled earlier this month that Gov. Terry Branstad overstepped his authority by vetoing part of the funding for the Iowa Workforce Development Agency. The veto led to the closure of the 36 offices and reopened a debate about their future.

Branstad has argued that the workforce development centers are not the most efficient way of delivering services to the unemployed. Supporters say the centers are the only place where job training and placement can take place in the same office, staffed by people who are familiar with the local marketplace.

Branstad?s office said the governor has yet to see and sign off on the policy agreement.

?We are encouraged by the progress we have made with legislators on this issue and believe an agreement is imminent,? said spokesman Tim Albrecht. ?We look forward to seeing the bill in its final form prior to announcing an agreement, but we are very close to resolution on this issue.?

Lawmakers of both parties have bargained throughout the session to find a way to keep the centers open.

?The future of our state is dependent on a highly skilled workforce because the jobs of tomorrow require some training or education beyond high school,? said Hall. ?I hope this agreement is the first step in our efforts to grow our skilled workforce in Iowa this year.?

The issue is expected to clear the Republican-run House, and will likely face easy approval in a Senate controlled by Democrats.