Loebsack: don't close Workforce Development offices

[rurallib]

One of the strangest things I have heard this year is that Branstad is dead set on cutting way back on Workforce Development offices throughout the state. I am not sure how he thinks people will be able to connect with IWD when it is 60+ miles away and computer access is limited as is phone access.
Dave Loebsack sent a letter to the governor concerning this.I believe Dave hits the nail on the head with this:

May 20, 2011



Dear Governor Branstad,

I write to bring to your attention concerns my constituents have expressed to me with respect to the proposed closing of Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) offices such as in Lee, Muscatine and Johnson Counties among numerous others in Southeastern Iowa. As you know, there are areas in my Congressional District that continue to experience unacceptably high unemployment rates.

As our economy continues to recover, we should ensure resources are maintained for those out of work or looking to improve their skills and secure employment. For example, Lee County residents, like other counties, will be hard hit by the proposed closings in a number of ways. Since the clients of the IWD offices are typically already struggling to make ends meet, they can hardly afford to pay for trips to other counties to obtain IWD services. If Lee County's offices were closed, it would be a two hour commute for these clients and similarly long commutes for other counties with closing offices.

The commute is a particular burden for the elderly, the poor, and those without a vehicle, especially because many areas lack an extensive public transit system. In addition, while moving services online is an admirable goal to serve some clients in a more cost-efficient manner, it would negate one of the vital functions of some IWD centers, which is to provide computer and online skills trainings and internet access as many of these clients don't have the skills, knowledge or personal access to such services.

Case-management is another important function of the IWD offices and this type of interaction with clients can have a very positive impact on the efficiency of service delivery. Further, I have heard concerns that shifting the work from the IWD offices to other community service providers or community colleges will greatly burden these already struggling providers with potentially unsustainable work and client-loads.

Iowa is a leader in providing efficient and innovative workforce development services. While I support ensuring the efficient use of the workforce development system and understand the difficult budget situation we face, I hope you take into consideration the above concerns with respect to the planned closure of important IWD offices throughout the state.

Sincerely,

Dave Loebsack
Iowa's Second District

[Blue Gardener]

1. Closing the Iowa City office

One of the dumbest moves Braindead could make.

[progressoid]

4. I'm willing to bet

he'll make plenty more dumb moves in the future.

[IADEMO2004]

2. It would be a 1 hour drive to Workforce Development from my area

and replacing it with computers at the city library just isn't the same.

[rurallib]

3. It is like they (repubs) are sending those needing help a message

and it is a big Fuck You.
They are using the state money like it is their own. Only the select (read wealthy) get help, the rest are on their own.

[Bluzmann57]

5. I thought the repukes were all about jobs

Obviously not about jobs for those who want work. No to mention by closing down WfD offices will put those employees out of work too.