OnTheMap Version 3.1 Now Available
The Census Bureau has released OnTheMap Version 3.1. Version 3.1 activates the Primary Job and Private Primary Job types, enhances the dynamic text throughout in the Analysis, Results, and Reports tabs, and corrects a bug in the reporting of Quarterly Workforce Indicator (QWI) statistics.

OnTheMap is also supported by the Employment and Training and the state partners under the Local Employment Dynamics partnership with the Census Bureau.

OnTheMap Version 3 can be accessed by selecting "Local Employment Dynamics" at http://www.census.gov and then OnTheMap under Quick Links, or directly at http://lehd.did.census.gov. Comments should be sent to CES.Local.Employment.Dynamics@census.gov.

Other Release Notes Registration for September 17 OnTheMap Webinar

FTA Seeks Public Comments on Information Collection for Job Access and Reverse Commute Program; New Report -- Economic Benefits of Employment Transition Services -- Also Available
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced today it is seeking public comments on the proposed extension of a currently approved information collection - Job Access and Reverse Commute Program (OMB Number: 2132-0563).

Comments are due by November 12.

The Job Access and Reverse Commute (JARC) Program authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make grants to states for areas with a population of less than 200,000 and designated recipients in urbanized areas of 200,000 persons or greater to transport welfare recipients and other low-income individuals to and from jobs and activities related to employment. Grant recipients are required to make information available to the public and to publish a program of projects which identifies the subrecipients and projects for which the State or designated recipient is applying for financial assistance. FTA uses the information to determine eligibility for funding and to monitor the grantees' progress in implementing and completing project activities. FTA collects performance information annually from designated recipients in rural areas, small urbanized areas, other direct recipients for small urbanized areas, and designated recipients in urbanized areas of 200,000 persons or greater. FTA collects milestone and financial status reports from designated recipients in large urbanized areas on a quarterly basis. The information submitted ensures FTA's compliance with applicable federal laws and OMB Circular A-102.

Full background / instructions for submission of comments

Also see:

Economic Benefits of Employment Transition Services

This report examines the benefits that accrue from employment transportation services implemented as a result of changes in welfare policy, namely the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA) of 1996. Employment transportation services were developed to provide access to jobs for people who otherwise have few transportation options, either because public transportation is not available to their work locations (or for employment-supportive trips such as daycare, schools, job-training or for job search activities) or because they cannot afford to own and operate a private vehicle.

The employment transportation services examined in this study have been funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation, human service agencies, labor and workforce development agencies, other federal, state, and local agencies, as well as non-profit organizations and private sector companies. Employment transportation services include: traditional fixed-route bus or demand-responsive services operated by local transit agencies; rideshare programs, shuttle, or charter services provided by non-profit organizations, employers or employment agencies; information services and mobility brokers that link information on jobs with transportation to those jobs; and car programs that fund ownership and use of private vehicles by low-income workers.

NIST and OMB Seek Comment on Proposed Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Client Impact Study
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sponsors the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a national network of fifty-nine locally-based manufacturing extension centers. The centers work with small manufacturers to help improve their productivity, profitability, and enhance their overall economic competitiveness. Each center is a partnership involving federal, state, local, and client resources. The MEP Centers provide hard-to-find technical assistance and latest business practices within reach of the nation's more than 330,000 small and mid-sized manufacturers.

NIST is currently requesting comments on a proposed Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Client Impact Survey. Comments are due to the Office of Management and Budget by October 11.

The September 11 FEDERAL REGISTER provides full background and instructions for the submission of comments.

Eight Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WRED) regions have been selected to participate in a pilot initiative to identify opportunities to align the activities of MEP - in the area of technology transfer/transition and innovation - with the goals of the WIRED Initiative.

More ...

EEOC Addresses Performance and Conduct Issues under the Americans with Disabilities Act
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has issued a comprehensive question-and-answer guide addressing how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) applies to a wide variety of performance and conduct issues.

The new guide makes clear that employers can apply the same performance standards to all employees, including those with disabilities, and emphasizes that the ADA does not affect an employer's right to hold all employees to basic conduct standards. At the same time, however, employers must make reasonable accommodations that enable individuals with disabilities to meet performance and conduct standards.

The guide reviews relevant ADA requirements and explains how they govern performance and conduct standards as applied to employees with disabilities. Through examples based on actual cases and specific scenarios that EEOC has learned about from employers and individuals with disabilities, this guide explains when and how performance and conduct standards should be applied and the appropriate role of reasonable accommodation.

The guide also explains how and when employees should request accommodations to help them meet performance requirements and comply with conduct rules, and how an employer should handle such requests.

Other topics addressed include issues related to attendance, dress codes, and drug and alcohol use, and the circumstances in which employers can ask questions about an employee's disability when performance or conduct problems occur.

Department Releases America's Dynamic Workforce: 2008

The Department has released America's Dynamic Workforce: 2008.

This new report presents an overview of current conditions and notable trends affecting the American labor market and economic activity. Primary emphasis is on measures of labor market performance -- employment, labor force participation, unemployment, and compensation. General measures of economic performance such as gross domestic product (GDP) and productivity growth are also described as they relate to labor market conditions and trends.

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BLS Seeks Comments on Proposed Extension of Mass Layoff Statistics Program
The Bureau of Labor Statistics is seeking public comment on the proposed extension of the Mass Layoff Statistics (MLS) Program.

The Mass Layoff Statistics (MLS) program uses a standardized, automated approach to identify, describe, and track the impact of major job cutbacks. The program utilizes, to the greatest degree possible, existing Unemployment Insurance (UI) records and computerized data files, supplemented by direct employer contact.

In the program, State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) submit one report each quarter and a preliminary, summary report each month. These computerized reports contain information from State administrative files and information obtained from those employers meeting the program criteria of a mass layoff.

The September 2 FEDERAL REGISTER provides full MLS history and background, and describes the uses of the data. The notice also provides contact information for obtaining a copy of the information collection as well as instructions for the submission of comments. Comments are due by November 3.

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