I. History and Leadership

This coalition works on increasing funding for job training programs, adult basic education programs, and policy issues affecting them. It was founded four years ago and is part of the SkillWorks initiative that also funds job training partnerships.

It is led by four organizations:

1. Massachusetts AFL-CIO
2. Massachusetts Workforce Board Association
3. Crittendon Women's Union
4. Massachusetts Communities Action Network (that's us!!)

II. Accomplishments

1. Organized for passage of $17 million for job training grants under the Workforce Competativeness Trust Fund
   
2. Helped get additional millions in increases for Adult Basic Education, Education Rewards program, School to Careet Connectiving Activities for private sector jobs for teens, One Stop Career Centers.
   
3. Organized to pass law for the implementation of the program that provides federal matching funds to community based organizations, community colleges, local governments for education and training done with low wage workers who receive food stamps.

III. Action Agenda we're working on in 2008

1. Organize for passage of $15 million line item for job training funds under the Workforce Competativeness Trust Fund program. Governor Patrick put this in his budget proposal and we had campaigned for that and thank him for doing that. Now, we are working to see if the Legislature will pass it.
2. Organize for including $6 million in funding for workforce development in the Life Sciences bill being considered now by Governor Patrick and the Legislature.
3. Support for other workforce training and jobs budget line items:
   Adult Basic Education, Education Rewards program, School to Careet Connectiving Activities for private sector jobs for teens, One Stop Career Centers, YouthWorks summer jobs for teens.
4. Work for further implementation of the Food Stamp Employment Training Program (FSET) including work to get a restrictive US Department of Agriculture program rule repealed in the pending Farm Bill in Congress.