To provide guidance to State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) on the responsibilities of serving migrant and seasonal farm workers (MSFWs) through the American Job Center (also known as One-Stop Career Center) network and on the responsibilities of the State Monitor Advocates (SMAs).

To advise State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) of the manner in which the Department of Labor (Department) plans to apply sequestration to Unemployment Insurance (UI) programs for fiscal year (FY) 2013, so the SWAs can make the necessary operational changes.

To assist State Workforce Agencies (SWAs) or agencies designated by Governors as “Cooperating State Agencies” (CSAs) and States in providing services to TAA program participants through the American Job Center network. This guidance supersedes TEGL No. 5-00, Attachment B, incorporating the changes to the program since the issuance of that TEGL, including the expanded funding source options.

Through this guidance, the Department of Labor is providing instruction on how states can apply for exemptions to restrictions prohibiting the use of OJT NEG funds on activities related to casinos or other gambling establishments, swimming pools, aquariums, zoos, and golf courses. In addition, this guidance provides updated hourly State Wage Cap data. Updated Unemployment Insurance (UI) Duration figures for OJT NEGs are not included in this TEGL, but are updated quarterly on doleta.gov.

To transmit the updated Agricultural and Food Processing Clearance Order, ETA Form 790; Agricultural and Food Processing Clearance Memorandum, ETA Form 795; and the instructions for both forms.

To inform State Workforce Agencies (SWAs), SWA liaisons, and National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) grantees of the 2013 National Monitor Advocate Training Sessions, which will take place March 17-20, 2013, at the MAFO 2013 National Farmworker Conference in San Antonio, Texas

To provide an update on the UI Excellence in Action initiative and announce the availability of exciting new tools designed to help states improve business processes in their unemployment insurance (UI) programs

To issue the revised Federal poverty guidelines for SCSEP eligibility determinations.

To ensure states are aware of the Federal military retired pay annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) provided by the Department of Defense.

To ensure states are aware of the revised Schedule of Remuneration for the UCX program that reflects the military pay increase and is effective April 1, 2013.