DIRECTIVE	:	EMPLOYMENT SERVICE PROGRAM LETTER NO. 08-98
TO	:	ALL STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCIES
FROM	:	John R. Beverly III Director U.S. Employment Service
SUBJECT	:	Work Opportunity and Welfare-to-Work Tax Credits' Summer National Conference

1. Purpose. To provide logistical, travel, and other related information regarding State staff participation at the June 30 - July 1, 1998, WOTC/WtW Summer National Conference in Breckenridge, Colorado.

2. References. The Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 (P.L. 105-34); ESPL No. 7-98, datedApril 27, 1998; ETA Handbook No. 408, First Edition, July 1997.

3. Background. The current WOTC program's legislative authority will expire June 30,1998, with the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit expiring on April 1999. The President's FY 1999 Budget calls for a 22-month extension of the WOTC through April 30, 2000 and for a 12-month extension of the Welfare-to-Work Tax Credit through April 30, 2000. In this way both tax credits would end at the same time. Also, the Congress proposes to extend theWOTC for three additional years retroactive to its current expiration date, becoming effective July 1,1998.

4. Information. In response to the program's expiration, the National Office, U.S.Employment Service is holding a WOTC and WtW Tax Credit Summer National Conference, June 30 - July 1, 1998, in Breckenridge, Colorado. This Conference will provide Regional and State staff informative sessions regarding:

   • Strategies for the uninterrupted WtW processing and certification during the WOTC authorization hiatus;

   • Instructions for preparing quarterly reports and conducting closeout activities;

   • Distribution and discussion of the Technical Assistance and Compliance Review Guide tool; and

   • Discussion of critical operational and administrative issues.

   Note: Specific Conference information follows as Attachment A. Also, when making your lodging reservations refer to the: WOTC National Conference by the Colorado Department of Labor.

5. Action Required. State Employment Security Agency (SESA) Administrators are requested to:

   1. immediately provide the above information to the WOTC/WtW SESA Coordinators and any other staff handling the WOTC/WTW tax credits,

   2. ask SESAs to submit issues they would like addressed or proposed agenda items to USES: Attention: Carmen Ortiz by COB, June 9, 1998, and

   3. make sure SESAs inform their Regional Coordinator of the name(s) of the individuals attending this Conference so the Regional Coordinators can provide these names to the N.O. by COB June 9.

6. Inquiries. Direct all questions to the appropriate Regional WOTC/WtW Coordinator.

7. Attachment. WOTC/WtW Conference Information, Attachment A.