The US Department of Labor on February 29th published Information Collection Regulations for comment in the Federal Register concerning the required reporting of Reemployment Eligibility Assessments (REAs) and Reemployment Services. See https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2016-03-01/pdf/2016-04477.pdf. The proposal would modify the requirements so as to limit the required reports to individuals provided these services. Specifically, the proposed regulations would require the reporting by state UI agencies of:

the number of scheduled in-person reemployment and eligibility assessments;

  1. the number of individuals who failed to appear for scheduled assessments;
  2. actions taken as a result of individuals not appearing for an assessment (e.g., benefits termination);
  3. results of assessments (e.g., referral to reemployment services, found in compliance with program requirements);
  4. estimated savings resulting from cessation of benefits; and
  5. estimated savings as a result of accelerated reemployment.

This information collection has been classified as a revision, because of proposed changes that would have the population of claimants who are most likely to exhaust their benefits be reported on Forms ETA–9128 and ETA– 9129 and that ex-service member claimants be reported on Forms ETA– 9128X and ETA–9126X. In addition, the DOL proposes to eliminate comparison group information on Form ETA–9129; only information about the individuals selected for treatment will be collected.

The current approval is scheduled to expire on February 29, 2016; however, the DOL notes that existing information collection requirements submitted to the OMB receive a month-to-month extension while they undergo review. New requirements would only take effect upon OMB approval. For additional substantive information about this ICR, see the related notice published in the Federal Register on July 7, 2015 (80 FR 38748).

Interested parties are encouraged to send comments to the OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs by mail or courier to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attn: OMB Desk Officer for DOL–ETA, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10235, 725 17th Street NW., Washington, DC 20503; by Fax: 202–395–5806 (this is not a toll-free number); or by email: OIRA_submission@omb.eop.gov. Commenters are encouraged, but not required, to send a courtesy copy of any comments by mail or courier to the U.S. Department of Labor-OASAM, Office of the Chief Information Officer, Attn: Departmental Information Compliance Management Program, Room N1301,200 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20210; or by email: DOL_PRA_PUBLIC@dol.gov. within thirty (30) days of publication of this notice in the Federal Register. In order to help ensure appropriate consideration, comments should mention OMB Control Number 1205–0456. The OMB is particularly interested in comments that:

 

  • Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
  • Evaluate the accuracy of the agency’s estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
  • Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
  • Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

 

UWC has supported increased priority in administering targeted Reemployment Evaluation Assessments (REAs) and Reemployment Services and plans to submit comments to assist in improving the data upon which these services and outcomes may be evaluated. In recent years increased funding for these services has been proposed by the Obama administration and supported by the House and Senate. We expect a continued priority being placed on assessment and return to work services.

 

In particular we recognize that state workforce agencies may be strained in having the capacity to effectively provide these services to increased numbers of individuals and recommend that state agencies work closely with employers and the staffing industry to develop data upon which to meaningfully evaluate the outcomes and return on investment of services provided. Evaluations should include voluntary additional reports from employers and descriptions of how these services may have been coordinated with services provided by third parties and through WIOA one stops.

 

We scheduled workshops specifically on the topic of REA and RES and the impact of the WIOA on UI as part of the Annual National UI issues conference in Kansas City June 22-24. A description of the conference agenda and registration is available on line at http://www.uwcstrategy.org/conferences/

 

Please join us at the conference for further policy discussion.