Narrative: III. b. 6. C.

USE OF UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE WAGE RECORD DATA A Maine Department of Labor Memorandum of Understanding regarding the use of Unemployment Insurance (UI) wage record data permits the department to use the data in three different ways. First, data will be used to measure and manage performance for: Title I–B Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth programs, Wagner–Peyser, Trade, Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), National Dislocated Worker Grants and other Federal initiatives such as the Disability Employment Initiative. Second, wage data will be used for customizing and providing services to employers and, third, the data will be utilized to measure and evaluate long term outcomes and performance through the Maine Workforce Longitudinal Data System (MLWDS) on behalf the department, other agencies and educational institutions. The department uses the wage data to monitor the status and progress of participants enrolled in the Title 1–B, Wagner–Peyser, Trade and WOTC programs for such purposes as: verifying work history, assessing suitability for enrollment and training, and confirming employment after program exit. Another use is to generate internal program performance and management reports and Federal reports such as the WIASRD and the Labor Exchange ETA 9002 and Vet–200 reports. UI wage data access is also vital to wage verification as part of the annual data element validation process required by WIOA and the U.S. Department of Labor. Under WIOA, the UI wage data will also be utilized to determine the initial and continuing eligibility of training providers to receive WIOA training funds and to be included on Maine’s Eligible Training Provider List as a means of assessing the effectiveness of the eligible programs. In addition, standard assessments and reports will posted on the web so that consumers will be able to easily access information that will assist them in making choices about the variety of education and training programs available in Maine, and the providers of those training programs. Work–based experiences such as apprenticeship, work experience, On–the–Job Training (OJT), and other programs will be promoted and utilized by Maine Department of Labor staff in outreach to employers and the business community. Judicious use of wage data that maintains confidentiality can enhance the assessment of employer needs and provision of appropriate services. It can assist the workforce development system in educating employers on the return on investment of a better educated and trained workforce. By funding the Maine Workforce Longitudinal Data System (MWLDS), Maine’s policymakers have clearly signaled the move towards data–driven decision making in future rulemaking, goal setting and program evaluation. Standard reports from the MWLDS using UI wage data will be designed to provide information to evaluate the effectiveness of the training programs administered by the core partners under WIOA. A primary goal is to develop reports that reflect the wage and employment outcomes for education and training programs over time to improve program performance and enhance customer choice. Standard reports will guide improvement of the workforce system by enabling administrators to evaluate program effectiveness and allocate limited public funds more effectively.