Local officials press workforce groups on proposed consolidation; providers say services can continue locally

Miami County commissioners on Sept. 10 heard competing presentations and questions about a proposed consolidation of workforce-development areas that could fold Miami County into Kansas Workforce 1 if commissioners do not act.

Leanne Karas, former executive director representing Southeast Kansas Works, told the commission the local area has provided hands-on services in Miami County through pop-up centers at libraries, virtual services and business outreach. Karas said Southeast Kansas Works believes the consolidation merits careful review and expressed concerns about closures in Johnson and Leavenworth counties and the loss of a local office in Paola. "We do work with economic development, but boundary lines, traffic patterns, and congressional districts should not be the sole purpose of how you…