[Workforce Investment Act Information]

Grandfather Provisions Work for Texas

Beginning in 1993, Texas created a system very similar to the one created by the recently passed Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (Public Law 105-220). The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) offers Texas the opportunity to maintain the best features of our existing workforce development system and to build upon our success. In many important ways, WIA mirrors the progressive model developed by foresighted leaders in Texas. In support of the vision, the strategic goals and the objectives for workforce development, the State will implement WIA beginning July 1, 1999. The provisions in WIA that allow the state to maintain the best features of its current workforce system enable this early implementation and reinforce Texas' progress toward integrating services for customers. WIA, in combination with Wagner-Peyser Employment Services, presents an opportunity to further develop the integration of services, to eliminate programmatic distinctions in Workforce Solutions offices, to enhance customer choice, to increase provider accountability, and most of all, to help more Texans find jobs.

Texas built its workforce system on key foundational principles. These include limited and efficient state government, local control, personal responsibility, support for strong families and a firm belief in the value of work. Our existing infrastructure supports these principles. The public workforce system for the employers and workers of Texas is more customer-driven than ever. State and local leaders look forward to the opportunities provided by WIA to continue this progress toward an ideal system and a responsive public service.

In the text below, Sections 111, 117, 189 and 194 of the Act describe the major grandfather provisions addressed in the Workforce Investment Act. They lay out how Texas is allowed the opportunity to continue many of its current operations. The Commission has published the State Plan that Texas will enact in its efforts to implement the Workforce Investment Act.

• Section 111

• Section 117

• Section 189

• Section 194