Call to Order/Roll Call
Chair Susan Ryan called the meeting to order at 7:32 a.m.
Members Present
Jane Clark
Joe Cassidy
Kate Wollensak
Kevin Bass
Tiffany Rotondo
Others Present
Jamie Brown
Members Absent
Susan Ryan
Mary Keating
Public Comment
- There was no public comment.
Approval of the November 2024 Minutes
Approval of the November 2024 Minutes:
- Motion to approve by Kate Wollensak
- Second by Tiffany Rotondo
- All ayes via roll call vote
- All ayes, motion APPROVED
Training Provider Approvals
Verve College has two programs up for annual recertification:
- Practical Nurse (LPN) Program with 1 NCLEX Exam
- Anatomy and Physiology Preparation Course
Jamie noted that the LPN program is significantly over the $10,000 training cap at $24,995. Verve College is Pell eligible so students can qualify for about $3000 per semester. The student must make up the remainder in private loans.
- Motion to approve LPN and A&P prep course by Member Rotondo
- Seconded by Member Wollensak
- All ayes, motion APPROVED
One Stop Operator Status
Jamie informed the group that she has been working with the County’s procurement department to release the Request for Proposals for the One Stop Operator role. The role is somewhat obscure and is part-time, so it historically has not generated many responses. Jamie is working to ensure that the Bidder’s List is extensive. The Request for Proposals should be released by the end of March.
Youth Contract Decrease
A large portion of the youth funding stream is contracted out. The contract for one of the youth providers, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, was reduced. Turning Pointe Autism Foundation serves youth with disabilities. The contract was decreased by 75K because they did not enroll as many participants as anticipated. The contract was extended to 9/30/25 to allow additional time to spend the remaining monies
Federal Updates
- Executive Orders:
Grant Payments- on January 27, 2025, an Executive Order was issued pausing grant payments on federal grants. The Order was rescinded on January 28, 2025 with no explanation. Naturally, the Order caused a great deal of distress across agencies.
“Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs”
Directed all federal agencies to terminate all diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility activities.
workNet DuPage is federally funded so the order is concerning but comes with little detail. Jamie participated in a webinar hosted by the National Association of Workforce Boards in which Workforce Board leaders participated in an open discussion about the ways the Order could potentially affect WIOA programming. NAWB captured all the questions to submit to the Department of Labor for a response.
The group shared ways the tariffs could affect their industries, particularly transportation and manufacturing.
2. Budget Deadline:
March 14 is the cutoff or a Continuing Resolution to fund the Federal government. If an agreement is not reached, the government will shut down. This could impact operations at workNet DuPage because the state would not be able to draw down funds from the Department of Labor. The situation is being monitored closely.
3. Labor Secretary Nomination Hearing
The Senate HELP Committee held a hearing for the confirmation of Lori Chavez DeRemer for Secretary of Labor. The hearing covered a myriad of issues, including the PRO Act which expands union organizing rights, expanding job training and apprenticeships, workforce development, etc. Her stance on WIOA is unclear. Her nomination is expected to pass a vote as she has bi-partisan support.
Speaker Recommendations
Jamie asked the group for input on speaker recommendations at future WIB meetings. Members would be interested in presentations from World Relief, Parents Alliance Employment Project, a Career Coach and possibly having WIB meetings off-site at employers or partner agencies.
Old Business
There was no old business.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:39.
