Okla. Admin. Code § 1:2023-2

Current through Vol. 42, No. 4, November 1, 2024

Section 1:2023-2

EXECUTIVE ORDER 2023-2

WHEREAS, the development and growth of an effective workforce which is responsive to the needs of employers is foundational to the health and vitality of the Oklahoma economy and to the well-being and prosperity of all Oklahomans; and

WHEREAS, the changing nature of demands upon both employers and the labor force requires that the structure of Oklahoma's workforce delivery system be continually evaluated and updated; and

WHEREAS, the current structure of Oklahoma's workforce delivery system suffers from a fragmentation of responsibilities and funding between several state agencies, including but not limited to, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Rehabilitation Services, the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, the State Regents for Higher Education and associated institutions of higher education, the State Department of Career and Technology Education, and the State Department of Education, as well as further fragmentation due to the involvement of various local governmental entities; and

WHEREAS, in order to maximize our economic effectiveness, save taxpayer dollars, and assure that Oklahoma continues to be competitive with other states and countries, it is essential that the important work performed by all of these agencies and entities be coordinated and administered in accordance with best workforce development practices; and

WHEREAS, Oklahoma has the talent, employers, and conditions necessary to be a top performer in education and workforce nationally; and

WHEREAS, Oklahomans deserve a coordinated workforce system that enables jobseekers to find careers and employers to staff needed talent.

THEREFORE, I, J. Kevin Stitt, Governor of the State of Oklahoma, pursuant to the power and authority vested in me by Sections 1 and 2 of Article VI of the Oklahoma Constitution, and to the fullest extent permitted under Oklahoma law, hereby order the formation of the Workforce Transformation Task Force.

The purpose of the Task Force shall be to design a new workforce delivery system in Oklahoma and to guide the state's transition from the current system to the new system. The key features of the new system shall include, but not be limited to:

1. A single entity responsible for workforce development in the State of Oklahoma, which shall be tasked with coordinating all parts of the workforce development ecosystem, including the delivery of accountable, results-oriented reporting to state elected leaders and the taxpayers of this state;

2. Direction of all funding for workforce development, including federal Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds, to the new entity, to be disbursed as provided by law and in alignment with a strategic plan for the state with regards to statewide workforce development. Any processes designed shall be structured to ensure the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and deliberation to assure that public funds are put to their highest and best uses; and

3. Development of a meaningful public-private partnership with the business community that ensures that business leaders are involved in development and implementation of the new system.

In completing its work, the Task Force shall:

* Evaluate the operations of the state's current workforce delivery system, as well as those of other states, and develop recommendations to enhance coordination, efficiency, and effectiveness of workforce development efforts within and among stakeholder state agencies and local entities;

* Determine the best structure, operating procedures, and chain of command of the new workforce delivery system to achieve the goals directed by this Order;

* Guide the transition of all existing workforce programs, including but not limited to those funded by or operating pursuant to WIOA;

* Recommend a reporting structure that ensures accountability for public funds and program results;

* Design a workforce delivery system structure adequate to developing the quantity and quality of the labor force required to meet the needs of employers currently and in the future; and

* Identify ways to maximize federal and other funding, including but not limited to funds available under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

The Task Force shall create a written plan for this transition and is empowered to take such actions as may be necessary to assist the transition to the fullest extent permitted by law, including but not limited to, writing a new state WIOA plan to submit to appropriate federal authorities as provided by law, and making recommendations to the Legislature for changes in state law as may be necessary to accomplish the creation of and transition to the new system.

The Task Force shall be composed of the following voting members:

1. The Oklahoma Secretary of Commerce, who shall serve as Co-Chair;

2. The President and Chief Executive Officer of the Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce, who shall serve as Co-Chair;

3. Three private sector members appointed by the Governor;

4. The President Pro Tempore of the Senate or his designee;

5. The Speaker of the House of Representatives or his designee; and

6. The Oklahoma Secretary of Science and Innovation or her designee.

The Governor shall be authorized to appoint additional nonvoting members, as he may deem necessary. The appropriate appointing authority shall be authorized to fill vacancies or remove his or her appointees. The Task Force shall meet as often as deemed necessary by the Co-Chairs allowing for timely completion of its duties. A majority of the voting members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting the business of the Task Force. Members shall serve without compensation. Administrative support for the Task Force shall be provided by the State Department of Commerce, and any private source as requested by the Co-Chairs. All state agencies are hereby directed to cooperate with the Task Force, including providing any information, data, records and reports as may be requested. The Task Force shall be required to complete its work and report its findings to the Governor, President Pro Tempore of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives no later than April 15, 2023.

This Executive Order shall be distributed to the Secretary of Commerce and to each member of the Task Force specifically identified herein, the President Pro Tempore of the Oklahoma Senate, and the Speaker of the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Oklahoma to be affixed at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on this 17 ^th day of January, 2023.

BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA

J. Kevin Stitt

ATTEST:

Brian Bingman

Secretary of State

Okla. Admin. Code § 1:2023-2

Adopted by Oklahoma Register, Volume 40, Issue 11, February 15, 2023, eff. 1/17/2023