A:

A:As with Social Security, cost of living increases under the Office of Worker's Compensation Programs'(OWCP) Federal Employees' Compensation Act are computed annually based on a formula driven by inflation computations. For this year, there was no basis for an increase based on inflation.

A:The Employment Training Administration is exploring a number of options to expand opportunities for individuals to access Registered Apprenticeship programs, particularly those related to emerging green jobs. Some of these options include better leveraging of existing program resources such as Workforce Investment Act to fund pre-apprenticeship efforts as well as new investments made with the Recovery Act funds targeted at green jobs.
This budget proposes to foster development of a more formalized approach to pre-apprenticeship that specifically links apprenticeship sponsors with programs offered by community-based and faith-based organizations, vocational/technical schools and community colleges to train and provide services to individuals seeking employment. The Department would "certify" these types of "pre-apprenticeship" programs which demonstrate that participants are ready and fully capable of meeting program sponsors' requirements for selecting and placing the pre-apprentices into registered apprenticeship programs.
DOL's certification process for pre-apprenticeship programs will help serve as a "feeder mechanism" to connect workers who have not traditionally met the selection criteria for registered apprenticeships with the labor-management and other employer organizations that sponsors apprenticeships.
In addition, the Department is actively working on a comprehensive set of Solicitation for Grant Award which will encourage pathways from poverty to emerging green jobs and other partnering approaches. We are encouraging the publicly funded workforce system to more actively reach out to community and faith based groups who can identify and connect underrepresented groups in training opportunities and jobs.

A:While the Obama Administration's efforts are beginning to turn the economy around, millions of Americans, who are willing to work but cannot find a job, are being helped by the current Federal unemployment benefit extension. As we get closer to the end of the year, when the current program is scheduled to expire, the Administration will be taking a close look at economic conditions and the continued need for benefits.

A:The taxes that fund most unemployment benefits are levied by the States, and each state will be making its own decisions about tax rates.
The Federal Unemployment Tax is administered by the Treasury Department, and any changes to that tax would require Federal legislation.

A:The president's budget proposes to create a new system of automatic workplace pensions. The budget includes funding for the start-up costs of establishing a new independent agency to administer the program.

A:The department's FY 2010 budget requests an additional $23.6 million and 213 full time employees for the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) to augment field office staff and increase the number of compliance evaluations and complaint investigations. In addition, the budget request includes $2 million to develop a new case management system to enhance OFCCP's compliance and enforcement strategies.

A:The Administration shares your concern about the offshoring of American jobs. In fact, on February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of 2009. This new law was part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, better known as the Recovery Act. The Recovery Act extended Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) eligibility to workers in the services sector, including many IT workers. The TAA program is designed to give retraining opportunities to workers adversely affected by foreign trade, to assist them in obtaining the skills necessary to return to work as soon as possible. To facilitate this goal, TAA certified workers may access a menu of services that include income support, relocation allowances, job search allowances, and a health coverage tax credit, in addition to occupational training.
This new program takes effect on May 18, 2009. I encourage you to contact your local One-Stop Career Center for additional information.

A:Now that the president has transmitted his detailed FY 2010 budget to Congress, the next step in the approval process is congressional budget hearings. The secretary will testify on the Department of Labor's budget before the House and Senate in May. Then, the House and Senate will produce FY 2010 appropriations bills, which will include funding for the Department of Labor. Once Congress passes a FY 2010 appropriation for the department, it goes to the president for signature.

A:Here are several suggestions:
1. The Labor Department's Office of Small Business Programs conducts periodic vendor outreach sessions to introduce businesses to the department's agencies. This is a good place to talk with DOL agencies and learn of our requirements. Go to http://www.dol.gov/osbp/vendor_internet_info.htm
2. Another possibility is to apply for a Veterans Workforce Improvement Program grant. The solicitation for grant applications is available on our Web site at: http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/vwip/main.htm
3. Finally, the main source for small businesses is the Small Business Administration, Office of Veterans Business Development. Go to http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/ovbd/index.html

A:Labor Department staff are responding on behalf of the secretary because her live Web chat has concluded. We understand that the ARRA results in unprecedented reporting and transparency, which call for greater resources dedicated to complying with these requirements. However, the Act results in increased accountability to the taxpayers, which benefits all Americans.

A:The unemployment insurance program is a federal-state partnership. The taxes that fund most unemployment benefits are levied by the states, and each state will be making its own decisions about tax rates. The Federal Unemployment Tax is administered by the Treasury Department, and any changes to that tax would require federal legislation.

A:Yes, specific hiring plans are being developed. The hiring will be throughout the country with an emphasis on front-line investigators.

A:Unfortunately the Secretary had to leave, but we can tell you about the FY 2010 budget for the Office of Disability Employment Policy. The FY 2010 request will enable ODEP to undertake a new $10 million initiative that will focus on working with one-stops, employers, Labor-Management Partnerships, Labor Unions, and other stakeholders to improve the employment process for individuals with disabilities utilizing pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeship programs, and career related community service opportunities.

A:Job Corps has put into place a "data integrity" strategy to ensure that operators are not putting erroneous information into the Job Corps data system. Some components of the strategy include: revision of the program assessment guide to require mandatory audits of performance information; edits in all of our automation systems; Regional staff conducting data integrity audits; and we have a contractor that reviews our performance data quarterly to determine if any data integrity infractions are apparent. We also assess liquidate damages (monetary) to operators that are found to have violated the data integrity guidelines. Our contractors at the centers are required to have their own assessment and data validity audit plans and systems.

A:The $3.3 billion included in the FY 2010 request released today does not include resources appropriated in the Recovery Act. Recovery Act resources are noted in the budget request but those resources have already been appropriated by Congress.

A:The fact that the Community College is hosting a one-stop center is a very important partnership to build on. The recent guidance ETA issued for Recovery Act funds encourages authentic partnerships with Community Colleges including contracts for training between WIBs and Community Colleges in occupations and industries that are important to the local communities.

A:The budget request includes an additional 25 whistleblower investigators to rebuild OSHA's enforcement efforts. This represents an investigator increase of 10 percent. OSHA will also emphasis hiring bilingual staff to match the languages used in the local workplaces.

A:For federal employment visit USAJOBS.GOV. In addition we recommend you visit your local one-stop center for information on jobs in your areas.

A:The directed funding for the Workforce Incentive Grants were originally appropriated for a 3-year pilot. They were in existence for seven years. This demonstration program has accomplished its mission and the lessons learned are being incorporated into other programs. Building on the best practices developed under the Incentive Grants the budget boost funding for the Office of Disability Employment Policy by $10 million dollars to facilitate the employment and advancement of individuals with disabilities.

A:The Administration will continue outreach to Faith-Based organization. DOL specifically will work with agencies with large grant making authority to ensure that Faith-Based organizations are included in solicitations for grant proposals.

A:We have received numerous letters identifying issues relevant to reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act, and we are appreciative of your interest and input. The Department looks forward to working with Congress and stakeholders as legislation takes shape. President Obama has called on Congress to work with him to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act, and the Department’s FY 2010 Congressional Budget Request continues to support efforts to improve the effectiveness of the workforce system. The Administration is conducting a comprehensive review of federal job training programs to assess their effectiveness, which will inform the Administration's proposal for an improved workforce system.

A:The $37 million increase includes funds that the Wage and Hour Division received from the Recovery Act that will be used in FY 2010. The $35 million increase is the request for new resources included in the FY 2010 budget, compared to the 2009 Omnibus Appropriation Act. The additional resources in the 2010 budget request will enable the division to reinvigorate its enforcement with respect to low-wage and vulnerable workers, including the garment industry in areas where it is still prevalent, such as New York City and Southern California. Overall, the number of investigations of the garment industry has declined over the last 10 to 12 years as the number of garment establishments has declined.

A:Thanks for your question, Anne. As you noted, I serve as Chair of the Board for the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (or PBGC). As such, PBGC's budget for administrative expenses is included with the Department of Labor's request. However, the Department's consolidated financial statements do not include the PBGC.
Also, it is important to note that PBGC activities are not funded through general taxpayer contributions, but instead from employer paid premiums, investment income, assets from trusteed pension plans, and recoveries from companies formerly responsible for pension plans taken over by the PBGC. As of September 30, 2008, PBGC programs reported deficits of approximately $11 billion. However, the Corporation has sufficient liquidity to meet its obligations for a number of years, which will allow it to address the solvency issues you reference.

A:The President said, in his March 10 speech to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, that he is calling on Congress, “to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act.” I am currently developing a set of principles and themes to guide our reform efforts. I also expect to meet soon with the key Committee leadership on WIA reauthorization and the Department’s key interests for reform. We will then develop the framework for a legislative proposal leading either to legislative specifications or a bill for introduction.

A:The fact that the Community College is hosting a one-stop center is a very important partnership to build on. The recent guidance ETA issued for Recovery Act funds encourages authentic partnerships with Community Colleges including contracts for training between WIBs and Community Colleges in occupations and industries that are important to the local communities.

A: The new job training evaluation is part of an overarching approach by the Administration to promote accountability and to invest resources in programs and services that work for the American people.

A: Yes, not only will these jobs promote energy independence, they are an important part of a new green economy that the President is building through investments in the Recovery Act and the FY 2010 budget. The jobs have the potential to payer higher wages. Our plans include investing in career ladders to ensure that all Americans have access to the training they need to quality for these jobs. In addition there is money in the budget for Bureau of Labor Statistics to better define these jobs and the skills necessary to perform them.

A: The department does not have an office of mature workers. However, we do administer a senior community service employment program that provides subsidized jobs for low income, senior citizens. The FY2010 budget is $575.4M in FY2010. This will serve approximately 91,000 low income mature workers.

A: The FY2010 budget does not include plans for further extensions of unemployment compensation based on current projections. However, during the course of the year, the administration will monitor the progress of the economy, and we could make possible adjustments if necessary.

A:Our investment in Green Jobs and healthcare careers are examples of two areas where jobs are least likely to be outsourced. We also use employee fee revenues to support training in careers where employers have previously turned to foreign labor.

A: What are the plans to include an Office of Mature Workers or a Mature Workers Bureau to parallel the current Office of Disability Employment and the Women's Bureau.

A: Yes, our budget increases resources for the OFFCP by $27.4 million, a 33 percent increase over FY 2009 in recognition of the importance of monitoring the compliance of equal opportunity and affirmative action provisions of federal contracts.

A: One role that the Department of Labor plays in combating homelessness is our competitive grant program for homeless veterans. The FY 2010 budget increases that program $9 million dollars bringing the total to $35.3 million - an increase of 34 percent. We are also encouraging our one-stop centers to provide wraparound services to all disadvantaged, including those at-risk of homelessness.

A: Over the past several years, MSHA has received large budget increases, which have allowed the agency to step up its enforcement significantly, including the ability to conduct 100 percent of its mandatory mine inspections. On the other hand, OSHA’s budget has remained flat over the last few years. For example, between 2001 and 2009, OSHA’s staff levels fell by nine percent, while MSHA’s remained steady. In addition, the FY 2010 increase for OSHA’s state programs is the first significant increase in years.

A: Division of Federal Employees' Compensation (DFEC) procedures establish that any permanent impairment decision issued after May 1, 2009, must be based on the 6th Edition of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. Medical evaluations based on the 5th Edition of the Guides may not contain sufficient medical information to determine the percentage of permanent impairment under the 6th Edition of the Guides. Consequently, an individual requesting compensation for permanent impairment is provided the opportunity to submit a medical evaluation by their own treating physician which is based on the current edition of the Guides prior to arranging for an evaluation by a second opinion physician.

A: Yes, the healthcare sector will be an important target for training in several programs including the new career pathways innovations fund and future H1B training grants. In addition, ETA guidance for the FY 2009 formula funds encouraged states and localities to develop health care sector training strategies.

A: Yes, we have a budget request for $52.7M in FY2010. This will allow us to develop more fully the academic, occupational, and literacy skills of such individuals; make them more competitive in the workforce; and promote the economic and social development of Native Americans and their communities in accordance with the goals and values of such communities.

A: MSHA funding is requested under the heading “Mine Safety and Health Administration." The budget requests an increase of $6.7 million, including $1.3 million for 15 additional metal and non-metal safety and health staff. The FY 2010 budget will allow MSHA to conduct 100 percent of its mandatory mine inspections.

A: As part of the Recovery Act ETA regional office staff are reviewing the readiness of all states and the local largest workforce areas. As part of that review we are asking states and localities to review their provisions regarding equity and fair treatment for all workers and to examine their anti-discrimination practices.

A: The FY 2010 budget request for EBSA includes an increase of $10 million and 75 FTE. This will strengthen the Department’s enforcement of the laws that protect Americans pension and health care benefits at a time when workers are increasing relying on EBSA to protect their benefits. The proposal will be used to enhance the security of both pension and health benefits.

A: Yes. The department's fiscal year 2010 budget requests an increase of 997 FTEs.

A: Answer: We will review all contracts for any waste and fraud, and where appropriate we will continue to utilize contract, but will emphasize the hiring of federal employees. Salaries for these federal positions can range from about $27,000 to $127,000. I encourage to consider applying and sharing this information with others.

A: The President said, in his March 10 speech to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, that he is calling on Congress, "to authorize the Workforce Investment Act." I welcome the President's support and expect to meet soon with the key Committee leadership on WIA reauthorization and the Department's key interests for reform. We will then develop the framework for a legislative proposal leading either to legislative specifications or a bill for introduction.

A: This program was not cut. The 2009 budget included $125 million for Community-Based Job Training Grants. The 2010 budget renames and refocuses that program as Career Pathways Innovation Fund and increases funding to $135 million. The new program will focus on developing career pathways in community colleges for high-growth careers in partnership with workforce investment boards, faith-based groups and other community groups.

A: The vast majority of these jobs are for worker protection activities. To name a few - investigators, inspectors, and safety and health compliance officers. The positions will be throughout the United States and will consist of a wide range of salaries.

A: The fiscal 2010 budget does not include any authority to charge a fee for service for foreign labor certification. Of course, the current fee for H1b visas continues.

A: Yes, the 2010 budget includes $135 million for a career pathways innovations fund. This fund will support community colleges to develop training programs leading to careers in health care green energy and other high-growth jobs in partnership with the workforce investment system.

A: The budget request for OFCCP in FY 2010 is $109.5 million dollars. The budget for OFCCP for FY 09 is $82.1 million dollars. The staffing request for OFCCP for FY 10 is 798 FTE compared to 585 FTE in FY 09.

A: The Department is actively working on a comprehensive set of Solicitation for Grant Award which will, amongst other policy goals, encourage greater partnerships with and promotion of Registered Apprenticeship programs. Also in our ARRA Policy Guidance, we are encouraging the publicly funded workforce system to more actively reach out to Registered Apprenticeship programs, including labor management organizations.
Finally, in the past year, ETA has provided over $10 million in discretionary resources to support and promote Registered Apprenticeship. $6.5 million was made available to national organizations to incorporate elements of the revised regulatory framework governing the National Apprenticeship System. $2.5 million was made available to State Apprenticeship Agencies to assist in their efforts to modernize their Apprenticeship systems. Finally, technical assistance resources were provided for a series of Action Clinics around the country to promote greater collaboration with Registered Apprenticeship.

A: Thank you for your good wishes, Hany.
The government-wide Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council is tasked with issuing regulations to implement the President’s Executive Order, and this must occur within 180 days of its issuance.
These new regulations will provide specific instructions on how the federal agencies are to carry out the Executive Order, including the “non-displacement” provisions to which you refer in your question.
The Department will work with the FAR Council on the regulations, and also will be examining how the President’s Executive Order will affect our Wage and Hour Division’s enforcement of the Service Contract Act.

A: While the Obama Administration's efforts are beginning to turn the economy around, millions of Americans, who are willing to work but cannot find a job, are being helped by the current Federal unemployment benefit extension. As we get closer to the end of the year, when the current program is scheduled to expire, the Administration will be taking a close look at economic conditions and the continued need for benefits.

A: The publicly funded system that provides employment and training programs to assist displaced workers and job seekers is authorized by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA). The Obama Administration is working to reauthorize this act.

The FY 2010 budget does include a new initiative for transitional jobs - $50 million will subsidize jobs for noncustodial parents and young adults to help them enter the world of work.

A: The President’s FY 2010 Budget Request includes $10 million for the Susan Harwood Training Grant Program.

A: The 2010 Target is $82,620,000 to serve the 17,832 participants (as in the TES submission).

A: The President’s FY 2010 Budget Request includes an increase of $13.8 million in Federal funding for State Program grants. This represents a 15% increase over the prior year level and will enable the states to increase their enforcement staff over prior years.

A: The president’s FY 2010 request includes an increase of $30,862,000 and 288 full time employees (FTEs), the large majority of which will be investigators. When combined with the ongoing hiring, the FY 2010 requested increase in FTEs will bring the Wage and Hour Division back to pre-FY 2001 investigator staffing levels.

A: The Wage and Hour Division will strengthen its enforcement efforts on behalf of the most vulnerable workers in the workforce — agricultural workers, young workers, workers with disabilities — and on behalf of workers in industries such as construction, janitorial, restaurants, hotel and motel, and health care, where the violations rates tend to be high and the workers, for a number of reasons, are among the more vulnerable in the workplace.

In reference to an earlier MSHA question, I inadvertently referred to MSHA as the Mine Safety Health Commission, but it is really the Mine Safety Health Administration.

A: $8,441,000 – the same amount as FY 2009

A: Coal: FY 2009 $154,491,000, FY 2010 $156,662,000 (an increase of $2,171,000) Metal/Non-Metal: FY 2009 $82,427,000, FY 2010 $85,672,000 (an increase of $3,245,000)

A: MSHA’s enforcement programs do not set aside funding for compliance assistance activities. MSHA offers compliance assistance to labor unions, employers and individual workers to help them understand the safety and health laws and fully comply with them. Compliance assistance resources include partnerships, online tools, educational materials and training programs. At the same time, MSHA continues its aggressive enforcement activities.

A: From MSHA’s Office of Standards, Regulations and Variances:

FY 2009 - $3,031,000
FY 2010 - $3,081,000 (an increase of $50,000)

A: Susan,
Thank you for your interest in the Department's FY 2010 budget.
Yes, beginning at 1 p.m. today, the Department's detailed FY 2010 budget documents are available on our website (www.dol.gov). We hope you find them useful.

A: Peter,
Thank you for your kind words. I am delighted and honored to be the U.S. Secretary of Labor.

As you know, each administration has its own priorities and policy agenda. My priorities for the Department’s FY 2010 budget include promoting a “green” recovery, beginning to restore the capacity of our worker protection programs to vigorously carry out their mission, ensuring that our programs are transparent and accountable, and promoting diversity and stakeholder inclusion in every aspect of the Department. I look forward to working on this ambitious agenda.

A:The president is requesting $353,693,000, an increase of $6,690,000 above the fiscal year 2009 appropriated level for the Mine Safety and Health Commission (MSHA). That amount represents a 6.5 percent increase above the FY 2009 request. The budget includes $1.3 million and 15 full time employees in new funding to strengthen the agency’s metal and nonmetal enforcement program. The request level will allow MSHA to vigorously enforce safety and health laws and complete its inspection mandate.

A: The Department will maintain its commitment to ensuring union democracy, transparency, and the lawful use of labor union monies.

The Department’s FY 2010 Budget seeks to build on the prior successes of the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) while ensuring that it is appropriately funded in light of its core mission. For FY 2010, the Administration requested continuing services request level total of $40,557,000. At this level OLMS will accomplish its core program mission and continue to advance the employee protections programs and the mission of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA). OLMS was provided an additional $581,000 over 2009 and 2010 to support its employee protections programs in certifying grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). OLMS’ staffing levels will be returned to essentially the same levels it maintained in fiscal years 2001, 2002, and 2003. During this period, OLMS maintained vigorous and effective enforcement of the law.

A: The Department of Labor has neither investigative nor enforcement authority under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. However, what the WARN Act requires is that employers with 100 or more full-time employees (not counting workers who have less than six months on the job) provide at least 60 calendar days advance written notice of a plant closing or mass layoff affecting 50 to 499 employees (excluding part-time), if these employees represent 33 percent of the active workforce at a single employment site during any 30- or 90-day period. Not all dislocations require a 60-day notice; WARN makes certain exceptions to the requirements when layoffs and plant closings occur due to faltering companies, unforeseen business circumstances and natural disasters.

I take the issues that were raised by the Government Accountability Office audit regarding past Wage and Hour Division enforcement very seriously. As secretary of labor, I am committed to ensuring that every worker is paid at least the minimum wage, those who work overtime are properly compensated, child labor laws are strictly enforced, and every worker is provided a safe and healthful environment. The department's Wage and Hour Division already has begun the process of adding new investigators to its field offices to refocus the agency on these enforcement responsibilities. In addition, under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the agency will hire investigators to ensure that contractors on stimulus projects are in compliance with the applicable laws. The president’s FY 2010 request includes an increase of $30,862,000 and 288 full time employees (FTEs), the large majority of which will be investigators. When combined with the ongoing hiring, the FY 2010 requested increase in FTEs will bring the Wage and Hour Division back to pre-FY 2001 investigator staffing levels.

A: We expect to announce the FY2009 state allocations for the Workforce Investment Act by the end of the week.