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 seven organizations: Massachusetts AFL-CIO, Massachusetts Workforce Board Association, Crittenton Women's Union, Massachusetts Communities Action Network (that's us!!), Massachusetts Business Roundtable, Center for Labor Market Studies, and the Massachusetts Workforce Professionals Association

II. Accomplishments

1. Organized for passage of $17 million for job training grants under the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund
   
2. Helped get additional millions in increases for Adult Basic Education, Education Rewards program, School to Career Connectiing 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.
4. Organized for changes in state and federal law that enable workforce organizations to get matching funds for training done with food stamp recipients.
5. Helped in restoring funds to the Workforce Training Fund that funds incumbent worker training in companies

III. Action Agenda

1. Working on passage of the Middle Skills Solutions Act for post high school skills training for high school graduates so they can obtain living wage jobs.