Guerrero volunteers to help JTPA
Early last week, Mr. Felix Nogis, director of JTPA, stated that his office attempted to implement the Workforce Investment Act. This is very commendable because so far the CNMI government has held back its consideration on the implementation of the Act. We are again told that this time something is in the works for this Act to come to fruition here.
We must act swiftly because most states are expected to have full implementation by July 2000. I know that it will be a difficult task to meet the Act’s expected timeline, but the effort to begin now is better than to continue delaying the process. I would like to support Mr. Nogis’ effort of the “One Stop/Service Delivery
System” for each of the designated work force investment area in the CNMI.
The local resident workers must have friendly and adequate access to “One Stop Employment Service”. The employment service should be able to provide all core services access to intensive services, training and full pot employment service (known as release service in the Act). All existing employment services must be consolidated and re-organized to maximize the use of resources. Too often the government launches a project but its survivability is predictably doomed if the planners do not follow-up and engage in active planning. The legislature should have a very active role in this matter because it is a process that has a direct impact on the resident workers’ employment problems.
I want to make a dent on the employment services for our resident workers seeking gainful employment. I now realize that as a private citizen you can only watch and observe for things to take shape in government circles. If I can volunteer my service for a seat to the “Local Workforce Investment Board”, I want Mr.Nogis to take that into consideration. My view of employment service for the resident workers involves the assessment of resources in the CNMI. All employment related resources should be part of the consolidated “One Stop Employment Service. It includes higher education institution here, employment agency in the department of labor, among others.
The target for full implementation of the Workforce Investment Act is July 2000. The CNMI government is way behind in the planning for implementation of this Act. This is an opportunity to get started and begin the process because of our deserving local resident workers who unemployed or who are in need of training to gain full employment need the government’s assistance for services. The DOLI’s Employment Serfice Divisioni’s functions must be integrated with the Workforce Investment Act’s requirements. If the lack of funding for the implementation of the Workforce Investment Act is stifling the move in government circles, I call upon our elected leaders to make funding a priority. The unemployment or mal-employment of local resident workers must be addressed now and the entire community must rally for their cause. I am available to lend ahand to Mr. Nogis and I know that many talented individuals in the community are willing to pool their efforts so we can push for the acceleration of the Workforce Investment Act’s implementation. We will need legislative support for the appropriation of funds for this purpose.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts on the Workforce Investment Act. I will be glad to sit with Mr. Nogis to discuss matter.
Sincerely,
Ramon S. Guerrero(Kumoi)
