Governor McCrory Hails $1.5 Billion Fall In UI Debt; Praises NCWorks But Says More Reform Is Needed | Eastern North Carolina Now

Press Release:

    At a news conference at a Raleigh NCWorks office today, Governor Pat McCrory praised the drastic reduction of North Carolina's unemployment insurance debt to the federal government, which dropped by approximately $1.5 billion since January 2013, when the obligation stood at $2.6 billion. The governor also praised the success of NCWorks in matching employers and with jobseekers, but said more reforms are needed to modernize the state's workforce development efforts.

    "Getting North Carolinians back to work and eliminating the unemployment insurance North Carolina businesses owe to the federal government has been a top priority of my administration," said Governor McCrory. "I am encouraged by the incredible progress DES and NCWorks have made in a short period of time and I look forward to working with the General Assembly for more reforms that will keep up the positive momentum we've built."

    The governor said he would like to see the General Assembly modernize workforce development laws to account for the impact of online job searches. He wants a photo ID to be required for the collection of benefits and statutory changes that would protect the confidentiality of claimants during the appeals process, while at the same time preserving North Carolina's federal eligibility.

    Governor Pat McCrory congratulates Rodney Spells on his re-entry into the North Carolina workforce with the help of NCWorks program.

   

    Governor Pat McCrory congratulates Rodney Spells on his re-entry into the North Carolina workforce with the help of NCWorks program.


    The governor showcased the success of NCWorks, headed by Executive Director Will Collins, by highlighting two men and the North Carolina Revenue Department who turned to the program to solve their workforce needs.

• Alonzo Thomas was assessed by an NCWorks counselor and received a federal Workforce Investment Act grant to go back to school. He was able to attend Wake Technical Community College, graduated from the Construction Management Program and has now secured a job as the property manager overseeing nine buildings at the The Tammy Lynn Center a private non-profit that serves those with developmental disabilities.

• Rodney Spells entered the NCWorks program in February. The scholarship team paid for him to take prep courses for the Project Management professional certification. He earned his certification and landed a job as a business process engineer for PiTech in Durham. Spells is working at Ft. Bragg on a business modernization plan for the U.S. Army Reserve Command.

• In January, the North Carolina Department of Revenue used the NCWorks program to help them fill temporary tax season support personnel. NCDOR was connected to more than 100 job seekers who helped ensure state tax refunds were on schedule this year.

    Contact: Crystal Feldman

    govpress@nc.gov