To update guidance provided to the State Workforce Agencies or agencies designated by Governors as “Cooperating State Agencies” (CSAs) (also jointly referred to as “states”) to implement the regulatory requirement for states to adopt merit staffing by December 15, 2010, in consideration of the retroactive extension of the deadline by the Omnibus Trade Act of 2010 (Omnibus Trade Act).

Through this guidance, the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education (Departments) delineate the process for negotiating levels of performance, as required by section 116(b)(3)(A)(iv) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This guidance also provides explanation of the two instances in which a state may be sanctioned for performance failure or for failure to report (section 116(f) of WIOA). Section 116 of WIOA, its implementing regulations, and this guidance govern how the Departments will determine when it is necessary to sanction a state, which is statutorily required by WIOA.

To ensure states are aware of the revised Schedule of Remuneration for the UCX program, which was issued December 28, 2010, and reflects the military pay increase effective January 1, 2011.

To announce the availability and strongly encourage state workforce agency adoption of Model Unemployment Insurance (UI) State Work Search Legislation to more effectively achieve the rapid reemployment of UI claimants' in suitable work and to support claimants' ability to meet their responsibilities to actively seek work as a condition of UI eligibility.

To ensure states are aware of the locality-based salary rates for certain Federal civilian employees.

To revise the status of Training and Employment Guidance Letter (TEGL) 9-15 New Expiration Date for Work Opportunity Tax Credit Program Forms Under the Paperwork Reduction Act.

To issue the revised Federal poverty guidelines for the Senior Community Service Employment Program

To provide guidance to states regarding unemployment compensation (UC) flexibilities related to COVID-19.

To ensure State Workforce Agencies are aware of the Federal military retired pay annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) and to provide the Department of Defense’s information on the subject.

To inform the state and local workforce development system of the policies and priorities that govern the award and use of National Dislocated Worker Grant (DWG) funds, pursuant to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Title I, Section 170.