[{"_1":2,"_98":-5,"_99":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6695634,"mediaKeyId","2412238-b9ad2e520f4ce45f23e07679464f76cd","parentId",2412238,"title","Tennessee labor department requests new funding for apprenticeships, youth employment and micro‑credentialing","audioSeconds",360,"startMs",880000,"endMs",1240000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2412238-b9ad2e520f4ce45f23e07679464f76cd&start=880&end=1240","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2412238-b9ad2e520f4ce45f23e07679464f76cd/thumbnail_880000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6695634/Tennessee-labor-department-requests-new-funding-for-apprenticeships-youth-employment-and-microcredentialing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6695634-4bee31b3bc2ee92321efd4ce897c4d88/orig.mp4?Expires=1771100463&Signature=AG8BSYXJ416gBewaJnAa~27h24svcOtSgdJ2oUpO8sK-oAYW3vwA8jW-A~cT7PafkZ2BJJzzQoBWnU8Crt0Kw~SDVckhNX1SL7bxUdlKm94ZrarkdTbnZ41IxPAhIi3SU9avkS5GBnFZOJb3JOisV8fV2bvZVpFtdXi6UjFSCKK~Nt3qeqghKX5~AqLPymvNs~B5yzbDZ8JHS7jR2UCcyOW~QY57DjYdKtlTjnRXXF3w6~xfmq3iwWG~G4K6hu-OCcUIiRIH0hVgtyrwL9CGZbQpjHef~Bii~rjyjM7Bg-0hv8ZyGQKVPeEGICty4X~fTHQnJumdavr38KZOM6TZmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","TN State Legislature","date","2025-02-26T00:00:00Z","article","Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Denise Thomas told the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee on the committee’s February 2025 budget hearing day that the department is asking for new state funding to expand apprenticeships, youth employment and micro‑credentialing.

The department proposed four main cost increases: $8.2 million in nonrecurring funds for a rural healthcare apprenticeship expansion funded from TennCare shared savings; $7 million (including $2 million recurring) to expand a youth career exploration and paid work experience program; $4.7 million (including $700,000 recurring) to enhance the State Workforce Board’s planning capacity; and $6.3 million in recurring funds to develop a statewide micro‑credentialing program with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Why it matters: Thomas said these investments aim to bridge employer skill gaps, increase training capacity in rural areas and create credential pathways tied to industry demand. “We wanted to look at where the greatest gaps were and the counties that had the biggest need,” Thomas said, describing the rural healthcare apprenticeship plan and a 13‑grantee rollout that is statewide and targeted by county need.

Committee members pressed for details on program design, equity and safeguards. Representative Williams asked whether the youth employment subsidy could create an unfair competitive advantage for businesses that receive youth payroll subsidies; Thomas said the money flows to local workforce boards or nonprofit grantees, which directly pay participating youth, and that the department intends to broaden outreach and place caps per student to serve more participants. “We have a cap per student,” Deputy Commissioner Buddy Hoskinson said, noting the prior summer’s maximum per‑student stipend was $4,000.

Program results and operational metrics: Deputy Commissioner Hoskinson and CFO Andy Sommer reported operational improvements and participation counts from recent activity. Highlights the department presented to the committee included:
- Youth Employment Program: about 4,818 youth employed in the program last year and evidence of strong demand and wait lists in some areas; the department said it used a mix of federal and state funds to maximize participation.
- Apprenticeship Tennessee: the department reported roughly 9,664 active apprenticeships (the presentation also cited 11,659 as a broader active‑program total) and 446 registered programs.
- Unemployment administration: first‑paid timeliness reached about 90.2% in December and stayed near federal guidance levels; the unemployment trust fund rose by about $74 million in calendar year 2024 and the trust fund balance was reported at $1.439 billion.

Cost offsets and reductions: CFO Andy Sommer described two reductions to offset increases: approximately $422,000 in savings from purchasing efficiencies and negotiated contract savings, plus planned reductions of five vacant positions to partially offset new recurring positions built into the request.

Micro‑credentialing and partnerships: Thomas said the $6.3 million recurring micro‑credentialing request would fund curriculum development, industry‑customized training and placement services in partnership with Tennessee Higher Education Commission, TBR and the Department of Education. The department said it previously spent about $10.2 million in federal funds on credentialing and expects demand to rise.

Implementation timing and next steps: Thomas said the rural apprenticeship grants will begin July 1 (the start of the second year of shared savings availability) and the department will provide procurement and grantee updates to the committee. Committee members asked for follow‑up reports on geographic distribution of grantees, program enrollment caps, and the department’s plan to ensure broad business participation and equity in placements.

Ending: Committee members praised the department’s customer service improvements and the commissioner’s outreach efforts; Thomas invited the committee to seek additional information and said the department would provide follow‑up data on expenditures, grantee lists and enrollment figures.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Finance, Ways, and Means Committee\tFeb 26, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioner Denise Thomas outlined an FY2025 budget request that would expand rural healthcare apprenticeships, continue a youth employment program, strengthen the state workforce board and fund a statewide micro‑credentialing initiative. Officials also reported improved unemployment claims timeliness and a healthier unemployment trust fund.","taxTitle","taxId",0,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6695625,"Veterans services seeks funding for outreach, cemetery work and expanded service officers after surge in claims",649,4563000,5212000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2412238-b9ad2e520f4ce45f23e07679464f76cd&start=4563&end=5212","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2412238-b9ad2e520f4ce45f23e07679464f76cd/thumbnail_4563000.jpg","/articles/6695625/Veterans-services-seeks-funding-for-outreach-cemetery-work-and-expanded-service-officers-after-surge-in-claims","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6695625-0e629970afac2d57cbc530f09c73da52/orig.mp4?Expires=1771100463&Signature=mNFGKtOpy0MHpMchVzaXeVb6voPyP5tVVFfGmYyGyoejXzf5sHdDIg4hY4s0r8KqGFX91cHvQmKMmyeTW6LR0lIiALQno73wBEvi4DFNW174k2jNngEWn3WQmLlh7MuMFwpXk6bYrV2n1NVS2zt-P6-qNsvAcH~rYUZp56iv0lhknOy-JA2HtRrFhrllnumCdIs6H~Do0-t84uh9kTJCLZ~qB-~5~qDU63GIYn1MSh0795uXxtuzfm2bUA9UAMCMzJ9vWTO9pVASF6p~SrmutRPzfaa0VgbqE31HSKfUzOHhcsEgq9TC6~e1gk9dUd5IMeRnNDMLospeV4cXZ-8CJw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tennessee Department of Veterans Services leadership told the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee that veteran outreach and claims activity increased markedly in FY2024 and outlined modest budget priorities to meet growing demand.

At the committee hearing General (presenter) described FY2024 accomplishments at the department’s five state veterans cemeteries, including national recognition awards for cemetery operations and multiple active cemetery expansion projects. The department reported a rise in claims and veteran contacts: field offices and county service officers processed more claims and served more veterans, with leadership citing roughly 11,000 veterans served in FY2024 and projecting as many as 21,000 this year given increased outreach.

Key figures and requests: the department said appeals and advocates helped secure approximately $17 million in retroactive benefit payments to veterans and families in FY2024, accredited more than 200 county and state service officers, conducted 189 outreach events that generated about 253 claims in 2024, and reimbursed roughly $25,000 under an Honor Guard grant program (about $75,000 remained available).

Why it matters: Department leaders said expanded outreach and field‑office activity — including claims driven by federal changes such as the PACT Act and department‑led outreach — are increasing demand for staff and services. The department requested funding primarily to expand veteran service officers and to support interagency outreach and operations. Department officials described two facilities expected to open in the 2025–26 timeframe: a 192‑bed state veterans home in Arlington, Tennessee, and the Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum.

Follow up and operational notes: the department told lawmakers it has accredited county service officers through quarterly regional training and monthly “lunch and learn” sessions, will continue outreach, and encouraged applications for the Honor Guard reimbursement program. Officials said they will provide lists of participating businesses and current enrollment numbers upon committee request.

Ending: Committee members praised outreach work and local events; several members described local veteran needs — including disaster relief for veterans affected by recent storms — and the department noted ongoing coordination with field offices to assist those communities.","The Department of Veterans Services reported rising claims and outreach activity and requested funding to add veteran service officers and support operational needs including cemetery expansions and new veterans home and museum openings.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":-5,"_68":69,"_70":-5,"_71":72,"_73":72},6695620,"Tennessee Military Department seeks funding to sustain Strong Act tuition program, build mesonet and modernize response assets",1402,6398000,7800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2412238-b9ad2e520f4ce45f23e07679464f76cd&start=6398&end=7800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2412238-b9ad2e520f4ce45f23e07679464f76cd/thumbnail_6398000.jpg","/articles/6695620/Tennessee-Military-Department-seeks-funding-to-sustain-Strong-Act-tuition-program-build-mesonet-and-modernize-response-assets","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6695620-9dbd7a52a360ab80d631199ff0cc9127/orig.mp4?Expires=1771100463&Signature=BRol5bNuBPVirjySwtafEH8hsio8dDZ5fM7ARka77Lbe0X3ObFYHR~sWUjh1f0Tw3IoHI4WKW~G5ejBzlMYz9snbWFXXX7v6NW165QKCbiTb7ffbjp9o6tKWN7a1Dhir42V7APIV~xlFA2cezYFJvbkLBoTMrxCjiK3Gtyu7BCGyq9xuNz7GeVk1MvbtLSkRsbYm37NE2cwHzwzVLAnWhIzcC203T8syy-mA-GhWOvi8wg59fq8TWbuhHLD-xH6mXp1tPS7UG8TADgpS~42oNWmU~dNKlGV8ZLZA-K5ZrRjrLm4XOpMDVFQZMWSskllS8ajd-db4Shc1~UZEmNpQ~w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tennessee Military Department briefed the House Finance, Ways and Means Committee on budget priorities that officials said will sustain force readiness and improve emergency response infrastructure.

Chiefs and senior leaders described recent readiness gains — the department said it reached 100% strength in authorizations for the first time since 2009 — then outlined eight budget items above the base budget. Top requests included $500,000 recurring to sustain and expand the Strong Act education benefit (tuition assistance that is available to Tennessee Guard members), $134,000 recurring to fund two reclassified administrative positions (procurement director and talent manager), and $420,000 nonrecurring to transition armory phone services to an enterprise telephony solution.

Emergency preparedness and capital requests: Director Sheehan and Major General Ross explained additional requested investments:
- A mesonet of weather sensors (one primary multi‑array sensor per community with increased sensor density in flood‑prone areas) to improve real‑time flood and weather monitoring and situational awareness.
- Replacement and modernization of regional response assets: a mix of sprinter vans and trailers to move personnel, incident command equipment and supplies more reliably into affected areas.
- Radiological detection upgrades: replacement of an aging vehicle used for radiological escorts and standardizing Geiger‑type detectors in counties on major transport corridors.
- A capital request for a central warehouse and distribution facility to stock water, tarps and other emergency commodities and an emergency operations center; officials said the warehouse project will give the state a centralized staging and distribution point to reduce supply‑chain delays during incidents.

Why it matters: Major General Ross and staff told lawmakers that modernized sensors, communications and response vehicles would reduce logistics friction during floods, wildfires and other disasters. “This will allow us to receive material, store material, break down material and push it forward to where it needs to go,” Chief of Staff Alex Pelham said of the proposed warehouse.

Security and force protection: the department requested funds to complete force‑protection upgrades across armories and bases, including ballistic doors and perimeter improvements, and said it is monitoring a small number of recent drone incidents at armories and air bases; the department described its reporting process for unauthorized aerial activity and noted most incidents involved local residents unaware of restricted airspace.

Timing and next steps: officials said the telephony and radiological equipment purchases are near‑term needs; Strong Act funding would be recurring. The department requested the legislature’s support for capital improvements and property acquisition to secure long‑term operations for essential capabilities.","The Tennessee Military Department reported it has reached full authorisation strength and requested recurring funds for the Strong Act tuition benefit, personnel to manage procurement and talent, and nonrecurring funding for communications and regional response capabilities; capital requests include warehouse space, an emergency operations center, ","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Tennessee labor department requests new funding for apprenticeships, youth employment and micro‑credentialing

Veterans services seeks funding for outreach, cemetery work and expanded service officers after surge in claims

Tennessee Military Department seeks funding to sustain Strong Act tuition program, build mesonet and modernize response assets