Subcommittee reviews Alliance for Opportunity audit; committee considers brief contract to finalize workforce reform recommendations

Co‑chairs of the subcommittee and members discussed findings from an audit conducted by the Alliance for Opportunity that examined state social programs, workforce development and the alignment of services. Members described the report as "eye opening," saying it highlights programs that spend money without consistently producing measurable results and identifies opportunities for better coordination across TANF, SNAP E&T, WIOA and other state workforce efforts.

The committee said it plans to consider extending a contract with the Alliance to help the subcommittee draft legislative proposals and coordinate with agencies before 2027 deadlines. The chair and co‑chair noted the committee paid about $55,000 for the initial work and recommended a modest extension to ensure the final product supports timely policymaking. Members asked staff to circulate the audit to all legislators; committee leadership said it will invite broader participation from House and Senate members and from agency partners to develop solutions that work across rural and urban areas.

Several legislators emphasized the need to move beyond program silos and to focus on outcomes — not only enrollment — by better coordinating state, federal and local workforce resources. The committee did not take a formal vote on the contract during the session but flagged it for consideration at the next meeting.