April 2015

Unemployment Insurance Training Benefits ProgramProposed Scope and Objectives

JLARC Staff:Ryan McCordAmanda Ondrick

Unemployment Insurance Training Benefits Program

Why a JLARC study of Training Benefits?

2011 legislation directed JLARC to evaluate the Training Benefits Program this year and every five years thereafter

In 2012, JLARC staff presented a briefing report laying out our proposed approach to the evaluation

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Program started in 2000 and administered by Employment Security Department

Provides up to 26 weeks of extended unemployment payments for people in training

Unemployed workers who are dislocated, low-income, disabled, military, or National Guard are eligible

Participants do not need to look for work while in training

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Overview of Training Benefits Program

People receiving benefits per year on average 1,400

Total spending per year on average

$13 million

Funded by employer payroll taxes

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Study scope addresses program implementation and outcomes

Examine the implementation and operation of the program

Review characteristics of program participants

Evaluate effectiveness in re-employing people in high demand occupations

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Five study objectives

Implemented according to legislative intent?

Are the program partners working together effectively?

Administrative costs?

1

Who are program participants?

How do participants’ employment outcomes compare to nonparticipants’?

2

3

4

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Next Steps and ContactsPreliminary Report December 2015 Proposed Final Report January 2016

Ryan McCord, Project Leadryan.mccord@leg.wa.gov 360-786-5186Amanda Ondrick, Research Analyst amanda.ondrick@leg.wa.gov360-786-5174Mark Fleming, Research Analystmark.fleming@leg.wa.gov360-786-5181Valerie Whitener, Project Supervisorvalerie.whitener@leg.wa.gov 360-786-5191

www.jlarc.leg.wa.gov