Welcome to NINAETC

House Calls for Elimination of 33 Job Training Programs, including Transfer of INA Programs to States The House Committee on Education and the Workforce yesterday released two bills that would eliminate as many as 33 federal workforce development programs, including Indian and Native American Programs, while dramatically restructuring the composition of local workforce investment boards to limit the voice of community-based organizations, community colleges, and other key workforce system stakeholders. The Streamlining Workforce Development Programs Act (HR 3610), introduced by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), calls for the consolidation of 33 of the 47 training programs identified in a January 2011 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report into four "Workforce Investment Funds": A Workforce Investment Fund, which would provide formula funding to states for job training services to adults, unemployed workers, and youth seeking employment. The bill authorizes $4.3 billion annually for Fiscal Years (FYs) 2013-2018; A State Youth Workforce Investment Fund, which would provide formula funds to states to serve the nation's disadvantaged youth, with a focus on school completion. The bill authorizes $1.9 billion annually for FYs 2013-2018; A Veterans Workforce Investment Fund, which would provide formula funds to states for employment and training services to U.S. veterans. The bill authorizes $218 million annually for FYs 2013-2018; and A Targeted Populations Workforce Investment Fund, which would provide formula funds to states for assistance to special populations, including Native Americans and migrant and seasonal farmworkers. The bill authorizes $581 million annually for FYs 2013-2018. The bill would repeal authorization for a range of existing training and employment programs, including Job Corps, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment & Training (SNAP E&T), the Senior Community Service Employment Program, and virtually all activities currently authorized under the Wagner-Peyser Act. The bill would require state and local leaders to set "common performance measures" for all employment and training programs. The bill would also give governors greater power over the designation of workforce areas, and would permit states to submit single workforce development plans for all job training and related programs, including activities funded under TANF and Perkins Career and Technical Education grants. The Local Job Opportunities and Business Success Act (HR 3611), introduced by Rep. Joe Heck (R-NV), would mandate that two-thirds of all workforce investment board members be employers, and would eliminate representation requirements for WIA partner programs, local educational entities, and labor organizations. The bill would mandate that local boards reserve a minimum percentage of funds for training activities, according to criteria determined by such boards. The Advisory Council is reviewing these bills and analyzing the potential impacts to our community during this next week. An update will be given by December 16, 2011.

National Indian and Native American Employment and Training Conference

NINAETC Profile The National Indian and Native American Employment and Training Conference (NINAETC), established in 1979 is the largest and most representative national Indian and Native American employment and training association. NINAETC serves the needs of a broad membership of Indian and Native American tribal governments, consortia, and organizations.

The NINAETC is organized as a representative voice of consensus on national employment and training issues. Our main purposes are to: Gather and share information with individuals and organizations who are involved with Indian and Native American employment and training programs at an annual conference; Recognize the accomplishments of our programs and individuals who have benefited from the numerous employment and training opportunities provided through the Native American workforce development programs; and Provide a forum for the members to deliberate issues of pressing concern to Native American workforce development programs and develop strategies to attain the goals of our broad-based membership and communities.
The NINAETC currently enjoys a valued partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, Division of Indian and Native American Programs. Our partnership principles and activities are: A shared vision of the goals of the program. A partnership to promote the common welfare and enhance the quality of life of Indian and Native people in their communities. A commitment to preserve and protect the goals consistent with the policy of self-determination. A commitment to promote a better understanding among the general public regarding Indian and Native American governments, people and rights. A commitment by both parties to bring something of value to the relationship.