Dear Capital Area Michigan Works! Users, Affiliates and Partners,
Capital Area Michigan Works! is calling on you for your support regarding one of the most significant proposed rule changes our system has faced in decades.
A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding Wagner-Peyser Employment Services was recently released. The proposed rule as written would end Michigan's long-standing service delivery model which uses the local staff to ensure quick and efficient responses.
Here's a recent 7-minute video with Michigan Works! Association's CEO Ryan Hundt discussing this topic:
Simply put, they need your help! How?
● TELL ELECTED OFFICIALS WE NEED SUPPORT
Add your name to our signature collector by June 14 to be included in our sign-on statement of support to elected officials and policy decision-makers.
● SUBMIT A PUBLIC COMMENT
Submit a public comment by June 21, 2022. We urge you to customize your comment with information about your experience through our organization and its connection to Capital Area Michigan Works!, or your own experiences. Step-by-step instructions can be found here.
The proposed changes impact Employment Service (Wagner-Peyser) staffing and recommend disrupting services to job seekers and employers by dismantling the successful “One-Stop Model” of workforce development and allowing only state merit staff to provide Michigan’s Employment Service (Wagner-Peyser) support at locations convenient to state merit staff, not to job seekers.
Michigan operates one of the strongest workforce systems in the nation, and the numbers prove it. In PY18 and PY19, Michigan was one of the 10 states with the lowest Career Services cost per participant served to utilize Wagner-Peyser funds. In 2019 and 2020, including throughout the pandemic, Michigan outperformed the national median in Wagner-Peyser participant employment rates, and in median earnings.
If fully implemented, the new structure would have a catastrophic effect on Michigan Works!’ successful program delivery.
● We anticipate at least 20 of the 99 Michigan Works! American Job Centers will be forced to close, primarily those serving rural communities, such as our Clinton and Eaton County AJCs.
● A dramatic reduction of business services to the 32,000 Michigan businesses served, including 88% of Michigan Works! Agencies providing decreased assistance with recruiting and retention services, 100% were forced to reduce and eliminate job fairs, and 87% forced to cut support for industry-led collaborative would occur.
CAMW! appreciate your support in advocating for one of the longest-serving, most effective workforce networks in United States history.
Capital Area Michigan Works! is a proud partner of the American Job Center network. Our three American Job Centers in Charlotte, Lansing, and St. Johns provide mid-Michigan employers and career seekers with the best resources to fulfill their employment needs.
