Tallahassee, Fla. — Yesterday, the Florida House passed Senate Bill 426 – legislation which emphasizes the authority of the CareerSource Florida Board of Directors to shape workforce policy that activates the priorities envisioned by Governor Ron DeSantis. Senate Bill 426 passed the Florida Senate last week and now goes to the Governor for consideration.
The new legislation underscores the responsibility of the business-led state workforce board to drive real-time solutions based on its direct knowledge and deep understanding of business needs and the economic landscape of Florida. Senate Bill 426 entrusts the CareerSource Florida professional team with administering the board’s actions and vision and modifies the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity’s roles and responsibilities to address federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act requirements.
“The CareerSource Florida team, at the direction of CEO and President Michelle Dennard, works in lock step with this Board of Directors to ensure that the business-driven priorities and policies we establish are executed in alignment with our Governor’s priorities,” said Kevin Doyle, chairman of the Board of Directors. “Pending the Governor’s approval, this legislation will reaffirm that relationship while strengthening this board’s capacity to bring innovative, collaborative solutions forward.”
As the state’s principal workforce policy organization, CareerSource Florida is a key contributor to efforts to develop and sustain a skilled workforce to meet the demands of Florida’s economy. The CareerSource Florida board is supported in its important work by a professional staff and the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, administrative entity for state workforce programs; 24 locally managed workforce development boards; and nearly 100 career centers – known collectively as the CareerSource Florida network.
“Governor DeSantis continues to prioritize the importance of workforce education and training in ensuring a future-focused workforce,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Michelle Dennard. “This legislation further strengthens the state workforce system in support of the Governor’s vision and our collaborative efforts to advance opportunities for all Floridians seeking well-paying careers to support their families and communities.”
Once Senate Bill 426 has been presented to the Governor, he will have 15 days to consider whether to sign the bill into law.
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ABOUT CAREERSOURCE FLORIDA
CareerSource Florida, with its business-led board of directors, provides policy direction for talent development programs administered by the Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida’s 24 local workforce development boards and their 100 career centers. The CareerSource Florida State Board serves as the Governor’s principal workforce policy and investment board, working in partnership with DEO, which is responsible for the state workforce system’s fiscal and administrative affairs, and local workforce development boards that serve Florida’s businesses and career seekers. Together, the CareerSource Florida network connects employers with qualified, skilled talent and Floridians with employment and career development opportunities to achieve economic prosperity. Learn more at careersourceflorida.com.