By Anna Cielinski, Senior Policy Analyst, Center for Postsecondary and Economic Success |

As the New Year begins, states have an opportunity to set policies that will improve employment and training services for low-income adults through their Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) State Plans. These plans are due to the Departments of Labor and Education on March 3, 2016.

According to the updated Information Collection Request (ICR) regarding WIOA State Unified and Combined Plans, state plans must describe strategies to prioritize employment and training services for “public assistance recipients, other low-income individuals, or individuals who are basic skills deficient.” CLASP applauds this clear call for robust implementation of the priority of service provision for high-need adults. This strengthened policy, for which CLASP has advocated, will help ensure that states serve low-income people.