Dauphin News

The Senate has passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) aimed at enhancing workforce development programs and making Pennsylvanians more appealing to employers. Senate Bill 761 mandates the use of existing but previously unshared data to aid local development boards in timely analysis of programs and policies.

The bill requires the Department of Labor and Industry and the Center for Workforce Information and Analysis to share workforce data, including information on wages, new hires, and unemployment claimants, with local workforce development boards.

“Without usable data, it’s impossible to know how successful our workforce development boards are,” Bartolotta stated. “By sharing data we already have, the services can be modified so Pennsylvania is as attractive as possible to employers in all sorts of industries while using tax dollars effectively and responsibly.”

Additionally, the bill provides for technical assistance and support for the improved data-sharing model to ensure local workforce development boards can utilize the information effectively.

“We’re thankful that legislation to free the data has taken an important step forward by passing the Senate,” said Carrie Amann, executive director of the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association. “The bill will empower workforce boards and stakeholders with real-time, invaluable data, fostering more informed decision-making and a deeper understanding of the ever-evolving workforce landscape. We are proud of all our partners’ work in this effort, especially Sen. Camera Bartolotta who introduced the bill.”

The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

CONTACT: Katrina Hanna, 717-787-1463