Workforce Services To Add Oversight Committee

Cheyenne, WY – The Director of Workforce Services told the legislature's Joint Appropriations Committee Monday they have formed a committee to better track some of the business training grant money the agency provides. Senators Irene Devin and Rich Cathcart expressed concern there might have been abuses. But agency Director Kathy Emmons says this workgroup will take a closer look at exactly what they are providing. Emmons says it's critical the grant funds have oversight because the program is used as a recruitment tool for new businesses thinking of relocating. She says existing businesses can use it to expand services and get highly trained employees for that expansion. The committee was told funding is tight because the need to train employees is great. Governor Freudenthal is supporting two million of a requested five million dollar increase for the workforce training fund.