Subchapter P. KEYSTONE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND WORKFORCE COMMAND CENTER
Sec.
7a.171. Purpose.
7a.172. Responsibilities.
7a.173. Composition.
7a.174. Executive Director.
7a.175. Compensation.
7a.176. Responsibilities of State agencies.
7a.177. Reports.
7a.178. Committees.
7a.179. Implementation.
7a.180. Effective date.
Source The provisions of this Subchapter P adopted by Executive Order No. 2019-02, dated February 19, 2019, 49 Pa.B. 1993, unless otherwise noted.
§ 7a.171. Purpose.
The Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center will address the Commonwealth’s workforce challenges by convening a public-private partnership to target collectively public programs and resources to address the Commonwealth’s workforce shortage and talent needs, recommend action to reduce or eliminate impediments to employment and better align the Commonwealth’s resources and private sector needs to position this Commonwealth as the keystone for a skilled workforce and competitive business climate.
§ 7a.172. Responsibilities.
The Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center shall be responsible for the following:
a. Identify impediments to employment, including but not limited to those that are imposed by the Commonwealth’s regulations and practices, such as licensure, certification and continuing education requirements.
b. Develop proposals and recommendations that minimize barriers to employment, modernize the workforce and improve the business climate in this Commonwealth.
c. Identify successful models from the public and private sectors that address a worker’s need for access to a broad range of supports.
d. Define and implement coordinated strategies across Commonwealth agencies to improve talent attraction and retention in critical industries within this Commonwealth including, but not limited to health care, education, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and innovation, and other targeted sectors.
e. Monitor implementation of the Governor’s priorities, policies and initiatives related to workforce development.
f. Engage and partner with other stakeholders, including but not limited to businesses, trade organizations, philanthropic and community organizations, to carry out the functions described herein.
g. Review and, where appropriate, implement recommendations from the Auditor General’s 2019 audit of the Commonwealth’s workforce development system.
h. Develop workforce and economic development goals and track implementation and progress through the development of a dashboard.
§ 7a.173. Composition.
The Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center (Center) shall be composed of an Executive Committee and representatives from the executive branch as described herein.
a. Executive Committee. The Center shall be led by an Executive Committee consisting of the following:
(1) A representative from each of the following private sector entities:
(a) Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry;
(b) The Pennsylvania American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO); and
(c) Team Pennsylvania Foundation.
(2) The following Commonwealth officials:
(a) Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development or designee;
(b) Secretary of the Department of Labor and Industry or designee; and
(c) Secretary of the Department of State or designee.
b. Additional Members. Other members of the Center include;
(1) A representative from each of the following:
(a) The Office of the Auditor General, in its capacity as a Commonwealth entity responsible for improving government accountability, transparency and the effective use of taxpayer dollars; in this case as it relates to the workforce and economic development strategies undertaken by the Center; and
(b) The State Workforce Development Board, in its capacity as the Commonwealth’s private sector policy advisor on building a strong workforce development system aligned with economic development goals.
(2) The following Commonwealth officials:
(a) Secretary of the Department of Education or designee;
(b) Secretary of the Department of Human Services or designee;
(c) Secretary of the Department of Agriculture or designee; and
(d) Secretary of the Department of Corrections or designee.
c. All agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction that are members of the Center shall cooperate and provide assistance as needed to the Center in performing its functions. The Center will receive administrative services and assistance from the Department of Community and Economic Development.
§ 7a.174. Executive Director.
a. The Governor shall appoint an Executive Director to oversee the Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center’s (Center) operations who shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
b. The Executive Director shall report directly to the Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development.
c. The Executive Director shall regularly convene meetings with the Executive Committee and members to ensure the Center is meeting the Center’s purpose as defined under Center responsibilities.
d. The Executive Director in consultation with the Secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development may hire such staff as may be needed to carry out the functions described in this subchapter.
§ 7a.175. Compensation.
Members of the Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center shall receive no compensation for their service, except that members may be reimbursed for travel and related expenses in accordance with Commonwealth policy. See Chapter 40 (relating to travel and subsistence).
§ 7a.176. Responsibilities of State agencies.
Agencies whose industry sectors are facing significant workforce shortage or whose consumer populations are facing barriers to entry and retention, or both, shall cooperate with, provide assistance to, and review recommendations of the Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center with respect to the Center’s purpose and responsibilities, as set forth in this subchapter.
§ 7a.177. Reports.
The Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center (Center) shall submit an annual report to the Governor or the Governor’s designee, and other reports as the Center deems necessary, on the identified areas of responsibility for the Center, and overall issues affecting workforce and economic development including workforce shortages and barriers to work in the Commonwealth.
§ 7a.178. Committees.
The Executive Committee shall have the authority to establish, appoint members and delegate duties to committees as it deems necessary to fulfill the Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center’s (Center) duties and responsibilities. All committees shall be chaired by a member of the Center.
§ 7a.179. Implementation.
All Commonwealth agencies under the Governor’s jurisdiction are directed to take all steps necessary to implement this subchapter. Independent agencies are also strongly encouraged to implement this subchapter.
§ 7a.180. Effective date.
This subchapter shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect until amended or rescinded by the Governor.
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