TAA Newsletter- November/December 2016
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Coordinator’s Corner
- Policy Update
- Updated TAA Forms and Applications
- TAA Training Applications and Modifications
- Waiver Requirement Update
- Per Diem and Federal Mileage
- Incomplete Training Programs and Technology/Tools Helpful Hints
Coordinator's Corner
Hello
everyone!
With the record-breaking warm fall we’ve had, it’s hard to believe the
spring 2017 semester start-date is just around the corner on 1/9/16. It
still feel like September. During the past week the Trade team has seen
an increase in training plan applications. The closer the spring semester
gets, the busier the TAA team is. If possible, send in applications and
requests as soon as you can!
Just over a week ago TAA hosted a successful 10-state
regional roundtable with the US Dept. of Labor. The trade-specific
sessions were full of information, covering federal report and performance
changes, expected guidance and regulation changes in the next year as well as
program administration strategies and best practices. As a result, TAA
did not host our annual fall training series. Instead, TAA will offer a
trade year-end webinar, to take place early December on the Counselor Portal
at: http://mn.gov/deed/programs-services/dislocated-worker/counselors/training/.
When the presentation is live, TAA will send out an update to you through a
newsletter blast. TAA will host a 30-60 minute conference call December
16th at 10:30 a.m. to review the webinar content, and to answer your
questions. Join us at 1-888-742-5095, with conference code 2941450048.
Keep watch - next month the Trade team will be highlighted
in the Partner Express newsletter.
Thanks again for your work with Dislocated Workers
throughout our great state. Your dedication and patience are greatly
appreciated!
Policy Update -
Correction to Last Month
There was a line in in the policy update that was confusing
regarding reimbursement that has been deleted. What should have been written is
as follows:
The TAA team is currently updating two policies. The
first is our “Approval of Classroom Training” policy, and will include the most
recent changes with online training and the 2015 Law. Secondly, we’re working
on the “Tools and Supplies” policy. You will notice the one-bid amount
will increase from $700 to $1,200. (A student will need to provide two
bids if their tools/supplies exceed $1,200.00 per semester.)
Updated TAA Form and Applications
TAA has been working on updating
applications to make sure they reflect 2015 law, are interactive without
glitches and are accessible to anyone who is sight impaired per federal
regulation. The new forms will be on the website by next week at https://mn.gov/deed/programs-services/dislocated-worker/counselors/forms/ Forms that have been updated are:
- RTAA Application
- TAA Computers and High Technology Application
- TAA Training Application
- TAA Training Modification Application
- 2015 Training Waiver and Instructions
TAA Training Applications and Modifications for Spring 2017
MNSCU has asked that payment be
made by December 15 for new TAA participants starting spring 2017. Based on
this and TAA’s time constraints regarding purchase order requests, TAA is
asking that new plans be submitted by December 1, 2016.
Waiver Requirement Update
In the past, TAA has always stated that no waiver is
required if a participant submits a training plan that includes a school start
date within 26 weeks of either petition certification or layoff date, whichever
is later. However, new information has
come to light from the U.S. Department of Labor that a waiver must accompany a
training plan if the training start date is over 30 days from the TAA approval
signature on the training plan, regardless of certification or layoff date.
When in doubt, submit a waiver with the TAA training plan and don’t forget to
review those waivers on a monthly basis.
Per Diem Rates and Federal Mileage
Per Diem rates change annually October 1. TAA Specialists are
reviewing transportation subsistence contracts and updating amounts to be
reimbursed for those receiving per diem vs. the federal mileage rate. Regarding
the Federal Mileage rate, that is updated annually by the federal government
January 1. Again, TAA Specialists will review transportation subsistence
contracts and update as needed.
Incomplete Training Programs and Technology/Tools
Just a reminder that participants withdrawing from TAA
approved training prior to completion need to either return the
technology/tools they received through the TAA program to TAA (items can be
dropped off to their DW Counselor) or purchase by sending payment to TAA. Contact
TAA to determine amount owed.
More Helpful Hints to Assure Consistent & Timely Service from TAA
- When submitting a training plan,
remind the participant to attach regional/state LMI for both the past and future occupation. TAA can
accept LMI from other areas within the US as long as the participant has
communicated in writing that he/she is willing to relocate.
- If client opts for student loans
while under an approved TAA training plan, he/she needs to provide an
explanation in writing to TAA of why the loans are required since TAA is paying
100% for all tuition, fees and required items. TAA will not cover the cost of
loans.
- When submitting IEPs (required
document to accompany TAA training applications) make sure they do not include
the client’s full social as this can be a security issue.
We strive for the information in this newsletter to be relevant
and useful, and we encourage you to provide feedback and suggestions for future
TAA Topics or TAA Success Stories. To contact the TAA team regarding this
newsletter, please e-mail: cynthia.boyle@state.mn.us and type “TAA
Newsletter” in the subject line.
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