paying jobs and become self sufficient.

    Ms. Tamara Baggett, J.E.D.I. Women, addressed H.B. 269 and expressed her concern with the procedure used when cases are closed. She requested new language that would be more explicit in explaining the client's rights and a prior notice stating that "the individual's case is in risk of being closed if they do not follow the outlined instructions."

    Ms. Karen Silver, Salt Lake Community Action Program, encouraged the committee to look at the stability of housing support aids.

    Rep. Allen referred to the 24-month training issue and said any validation from working with past clients, particulary comprehensive longitudinal data, would be a help to this issue.

3.    Overview: Division of Employment Development -- Ms. Jan Hansen, Director of the Division of Employment Development, Department of Workforce Services, distributed a handout from which she gave her presentation. She presented an overview of programs the division offers and larger programs that are integrated into the employment centers located throughout the state that provide direct services to participants and business. Referencing her presentation to the comments that Executive Director Bob Gross made at the previous meeting held April 23, 1997, Ms. Hansen reiterated several of the goals, what the department is operationally doing, and service enhancements that the Department is looking at. Committee discussion followed.

            **Note:     A copy of Ms. Hansen's presentation is on file in the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel.

        Sen. Wharton asked Ms. Hansen if there would be a situation where the client indicates that he or she does not want to go in the direction suggested? Ms. Hansen's reply was that the department would first find out what the individual's needs are and what department funding sources the individual qualifies for. Sen Muhlestein asked Ms. Hansen what the department is doing to coordinate efforts with the Office of Recovery Services. She said that for coordination to work, linkages from outside the department must be maintained. Rep. Allen asked about the availability of obtaining a Medicaid chart indicating the history of Medicaid eligibility. Ms. Hansen said that the charts are distributed by the Department of Health. She then explained Medicaid policies and health insurance for children on the federal level.

    Rep. Goodfellow asked if everything matches with what is already being done, and if H.R. 1385 (federal legislation) reflects the provisions and coincides with what we are trying to accomplish? Mr. Bob Gross, Director, Department of Workforce Services, indicated that the department has been working with the Governor's Office and other groups reviewing legislation, making comment, and offering the department's input. The department is pleased with many of the aspects of the bill. There are some aspects that the department views may be somewhat

regressive in nature for Utah.

    Rep. Carnahan relinquished the Chair to Sen. Montgomery. Sen. Montgomery could not chair the first part of the meeting because of a prior commitment.

    Rep. Stephens asked Ms. Hansen if a client can access programs consecutively or take one program at a time? Ms. Hansen indicated that clients may get many programs at one time. A family that is getting the family program generally is getting the food stamp program and others as well. Rep. Frandsen discussed brain development at an early age and the importance of quality day care and asked if there is some effort being made to deal with this issue? Ms. Hansen said that there is an effort being made in quality care. The department opted for the parent to work but it is important to the department to have quality child care and quality in the lives of clients. The Office of Child Care is included in the Department of Workforce Services which is responsible for developing quality and looking at capacity.

    Sen. Peterson stated that one of the difficulties regarding child care is that many of the child care workers do not make a living wage. She is also concerned with young people who do not plan and may use all of their eligibility up front. Ms. Hansen said in the development of the employment plan, it is stressed that the client has to find a job that will adequately support the client within three years. Regarding welfare reform, Ms. Hansen indicated that their will be a public campaign in place stressing the new time limits. This will be a way of anchoring participants and individuals in the community. Ms. Hansen explained the block grant program as being a political compromise.

    Sen Wharton requested that Ms. Hansen have information prepared indicating what the Office of Child Care's plans are for ensuring quality care.

     4.    Applied Technology Education Options for Recipients of Public Assistance --     Mr. Max Lowe, Assistant Commissioner for Higher Education for Applied Technology Education, distributed a handout to committee members. He explained the educational programs available and their format. Mr. Lowe indicated that higher education provides more than just bachelor level training. Mr. Lowe said higher education does a significant amount of customized, non-credit training programs designed to prepare individuals for the workplace.

    Mr. Robert Brems, Associate Superintendent, State Director of Applied Technology Education, distributed a handout to committee members explaining the mission of Applied Technology Centers. He then focused on the public education side of applied technology education. Mr. Brems said that the State Board of Education also serves as the State Board for Applied Technology Education. They have a significant role in the administration of federal funds and provides statewide guidance and leadership to the entire ATE program. Mr. Brems presented an overview of applied technology education and the process being used.

5.    Salt Lake Community College -- Mr. Frank W. Budd, President of Salt Lake Community College, distributed a handout and presented a brief overview of the college's curriculum, infrastructure, and continued growth. Mr. Budd discussed the skill center and the experience with disadvantaged individuals. He then explained the kinds of services that are offered at the college. Mr. Budd then focused on the Associate Applied Science Degree which takes approximately two years to accomplish. It is a credit program and is job specific and non- transferrable. He invited individuals or the entire committee to tour the facilities.

6.    Applied Technology Centers -- Mr. Brent Wallis, Superintendent of the Ogden-Weber Applied Technology Center (ATC), distributed the center's Annual Report FY 1996 and copies of his presentation to committee members. Mr. Wallis presented an overview of the mission of the Ogden-Weber Applied Technology Center. He briefly discussed the center's marketable and technical skills; the unique delivery system; the performance characteristics; the job market and DWS clientele; the student successes; and the state's return on investment. Mr. Wallis stated that federal financial aid is available to all students. In summation, he indicated that the centers could meet the number one priority in Weber County of preparing a technically trained workforce. The center's opinion is that the services, operating characteristics, and the availability of good paying jobs are a good investment for Workforce Services and the state.

    Sen. Peterson expressed concern with those individuals who are unhappy with what they do but do not understand what the ATC is about? Mr. Wallis said several years ago. The board became very concerned with this issue and gave Mr. Wallis the task of changing the perceptions and attitudes of people within the area. The real benefit has come from companies, high schools, and parents investing in the process. Mr. Wallis said that the Skills Opportunities Achievement Rewards (S.O.A.R.) program is being introduced. In addition, he indicated that the institutions and the help that is being given by companies is what is changing attitudes.

    Rep. Frandsen asked how Workforce Services could obtain information in finding out if there is a difference in accessing entities? Mr. Gross indicated that his department has begun the process of close collaboration with all of the institutions. He said the key is the brokerage that resides within a particular area. It accesses the individual and determines which of the training institutions provides the best option for that individual. Mr. Wallis explained how he and Weber State University work together to obtain students for their programs.

    Ms. Tamara Baggett, Jedi Welfare Coalition, asked Mr. Wallis if his program works with employers who offer low wages. Mr. Wallis said there are times when the initial salary is $7.00 per hour but there are also benefits and increases in salary.
    
7.    Committee Business -- Mr. Hunsaker updated committee members on H.R. 1385 that passed in the House and is now in the Senate. He explained the intent of the legislation and

reported that those states who have performed consolidation efforts within the last two years will not be required to come into complete compliance with the federal legislation until approximately three years from the date the previous legislation passed. Mr. Hunsaker also indicated that an amendment to the bill passed which provides for increased state involvement in how federal funds are appropriated to meet state needs.

8.    Adjourn -- MOTION: Sen. Peterson moved to adjourn the meeting at 4:30 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.

    

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