State Seeks Public Comments on Workforce Development Request for Waiver

July 23, 2025

For Immediate Release: July 23, 2025

State Seeks Public Comments on Workforce Development Request for Waiver

AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Labor is accepting public comment on a request for continuation of a youth program waiver in accordance with the waiver requirements under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).

"We know that the success of our economy depends on the strength of our workforce and innovation of our employers," Commissioner Laura Fortman said. "Continuation of this waiver will allow WIOA youth program service providers to continue to align with the goals of Maine's economic development strategy , which prioritizes students being able to explore their career interests through paid job experiences. This will enable us to better focus our workforce development resources and achieve our goal for an integrated and coordinated workforce development system across Maine."

To provide states with greater flexibility to focus limited resources and achieve identified workforce system goals, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) permits the U.S. Secretary of Labor the authority to waive certain regulatory requirements. Full copies of the waiver request can be viewed at https://www.maine.gov/swb/youthwaiverpubliccomment/index.shtml

Public comments will be accepted until 5:00 p.m. on July 30, 2025, through the above link.

Maine is seeking continuation of waiver of the following statutory requirement:

1. Waiver of the requirement to expend 75% of WIOA Title IB Youth funds on out-of-school youth. Approval of this waiver will permit local areas to invest more WIOA funds in paid work experience activities for eligible high school youth and provide additional supports to eligible, first-time college students with barriers to successfully completing their program and attaining a degree/credential.