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References: Chapter IV, ET Handbook No. 384, Second Edition, 20 CFR 614.12 and 5 U.S.C. 8521(a)(2). Instructions: State Employment Security Agencies (SESAs) shall use the attached schedule to determine Federal military wages for UCX "first claims" filed beginning with the first day of the first week which begins after April 4, 1998, pursuant to 20 CFR 614.12. SESAs will continue to use the existing schedule for UCX "first claims" filed before the effective date of the attached revised schedule. As provided by 20 CFR 614.12(d), the attached schedule shall be published as a notice in the Federal Register. Action Required: Administrators should provide the above instructions and the attached revised schedule to appropriate staff.

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References: Section 3306(t) of the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA); North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (NAFTA), P.L. No. 103-182; Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL) No. 14-94. Background: The NAFTA, P.L. No. 103-182, among other things, amended Federal law to give States the option of permitting certain individuals to receive a SEA payment from the State's unemployment fund for the purpose of assisting such individuals in establishing businesses and becoming self-employed. These SEA payments are authorized only during the 5 years following NAFTA's date of enactment. Since NAFTA was enacted on December 8, 1993, the SEA program provisions were effective on that date and expire on December 8, 1998. See UIPL 14-94, pages 1 and 14. Since at this time there is no legislation pending before Congress that authorizes States to continue operating a SEA program beyond December 8, 1998, we are issuing this UIPL to remind States that their SEA programs must be terminated. Phase-out: 0SEA allowances are payable only for the period for which Federal authorization permits the program to operate, which is prior to December 8, 1998. SEA payments may be issued on and after December 8, 1998, but only with respect to periods of time prior to December 8, 1998. States may phase out the SEA program by establishing a cut-off date prior to December 8, 1998, for enrolling new SEA participants. This would allow the time needed for SEA participants to receive all SEA allowances and participate in all activities and prevent the possibility of some participants not receiving all SEA allowances. Enrolling claimants into a program that will expire before the participants will have the opportunity to receive all allowances or engage in all required activities would likely result in unfavorable reactions from the participants and unwanted publicity. Alternatively, States could provide claimants with the options of either receiving their maximum benefit amount (MBA) under the regular UI program, or participating in the SEA program with the understanding that their MBA will not be payable as SEA allowances. Action: We encourage States to take appropriate action to assure the smooth phase-out of the SEA program. State Administrators are requested to provide this information to appropriate staff.

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Reference: Unemployment Insurance Program Letter (UIPL) No. 3-92. UIPL NO. 37-93, UIPL No. 40-94, UIPL No. 32-95, and UIPL No. 25-96. Background: The referenced UIPLs published the ERI for Rate Years 1988 - 1995. Attachment I shows the ERI by State for Rate Years 1988 - 1996. Attachment II shows the ERI and the individual components involved in the calculations for States for Rate Year 1996 and is a continuation of the series. Attachment III describes how the Experience Rating Index is calculated. Action Required: Please distribute to appropriate staff.

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Background: This year's conference, "One-Stop: The Future is Now--Building Results," sponsored by the Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and the State of Minnesota, will provide an opportunity for workforce development professionals to hear how States and localities are implementing and/or sustaining the One-Stop Career Center System, using technology and partnerships to establish career centers that achieve positive results for the workforce development customers. Technology critical for system building will be one of the many conference features as well as updates on: services for businesses and job seekers, including welfare recipients; labor market information; and training services. A home page for the conference (www.one-stop98.org) has been created and will have the latest conference information available. ETA's home page (www.doleta.gov) will have a link to that home page. Solicitation of Conference Topics: It is the goal of the one-stop conference planning committee to make the conference agenda as responsive as possible to the needs of all the partners of the workforce development system in the implementation of the One-Stop Career Center System. To achieve this goal, workforce development professionals are encouraged to suggest possible conference topics, speakers and exhibits. The attached "Call for Topics" is provided to gather these suggestions. All suggestions will provide valuable input in the development of the conference agenda. Action: States are asked to distribute this TEIN and attached "Call for Topics" to all appropriate officials in the State interested in workforce development issues, including service delivery areas and substate areas, State and local human services agencies, particularly welfare agencies, community-based organizations, businesses, and labor partners. Suggested topics, workshops, and exhibit resources should be forwarded to Shelley Landgraf (612-282-6923) (fax: 612-282-6927) or e-mail: [slandgra@des.state.mn.us]. Anyone wishing to complete the attached "Call for Topics" should ensure it reaches Ms. Landgraf no later than February 17.

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Reference: Department of Labor News Release USDL: 97-468 Background: On Tuesday, December 30, 1997, Secretary Alexis Herman unveiled a $711.5 million plan for a two-year competitive grant competition Inquiries: Questions should be directed to your Federal Representative at (202) 219-5904. Attachments: Press release