1. Content, Structure, and Public Comment Process
August 20, 2015
Proposed Information Collection: Required Elements for Submission of the Unified or Combined State Plan and Plan Modifications Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
Heather:
Hello and welcome to today’s presentation. I’m Heather Fleck from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
Content, Structure, and Public Comment Process

2. Purpose
Provide an overview of the materials included in the State Plans Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Package.
Describe the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) requirements for the State Plans.
Note the portions of the PRA package for which the Departments are soliciting comments.
Describe the process for submitting comments.
Heather:
Today’s presentation will cover the proposed Information Collection for the required elements for submission of the Unified or Combined State Plan and plan modifications under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
Today, we will provide an overview of the materials included in the paperwork reduction act or PRA package for the state plans;
Describe the WIOA requirements for the state plans;
Explain the areas that the Departments are soliciting comments on; and
Describe the process for submitting comments.

3. Partner agencies
Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education
Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor
Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of Community Planning and Development, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Public and Indian Housing, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Heather:
An interagency workgroup representing the Departments of Labor, Education, Health and Human Services, Agriculture, and Housing and Urban Development is working very closely together to implement the WIOA provisions pertaining to the Unified and Combined State Plans.

4. Presenters
Heather Fleck, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
Brian Miller, Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education
Cheryl Keenan, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education
Eileen Friedman, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Heather:
Today’s presenters represent several programs that are included in the Unified or Combined State Plans, including the adult, dislocated worker, and youth formula programs and Wagner-Peyser Employment Service; Vocational Rehabilitation Services; Adult Education; and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

5. Comments from the Employment and Training Administration, U. S
Comments from the Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
“The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act presents an extraordinary opportunity for states to ensure that job seekers, workers, and employers are moving workers into skilled jobs and boost economic growth.  The Unified and Combined State Plans, with strong partnerships and coordination across programs, are the key strategic tool to link workforce, education, and social services and supports to achieve these goals.”   
Portia Wu, Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, U.S. Department of Labor
Heather:
Throughout this presentation, you will see remarks from leadership from all federal partner agencies discussing the opportunity of this legislation and coordinated planning.
Here is a quote from ETA Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, Portia Wu, on the opportunities presented by state planning.

6. Comments from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education
“In order to close our nation’s skills gap and ensure that adults, particularly those with the greatest barriers to employment, are prepared for high-wage, high-demand careers, it is crucial that we work across programs to develop a coordinated strategy for education and workforce development. The unified and combined state planning provisions under WIOA present a tremendous opportunity to change the way our systems operate - creating an avenue for states to establish strong partnerships with core programs and other necessary education and workforce development partners, including Perkins, to successfully serve adult learners.”
Johan E. Uvin, Acting Assistant Secretary, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education 
Heather:
Here is a quote from Acting Assistant Secretary Johan Uvin, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, regarding how the state plans can support coordination across programs.

7. Comments from the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation Services Administration
“The Unified and Combined State Plans envisioned in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) are critical in establishing a strong national workforce system.  These state plans will play a key role in achieving successful employment for over one million people with disabilities who seek competitive integrated employment through the state Vocational Rehabilitation program.  The state planning process under WIOA will require strong collaboration and coordination to bring together key programs and agencies across the state to better serve individuals with disabilities across multiple programs.  State plans will be developed and implemented through partnerships between the state vocational rehabilitation programs and other workforce partners and will provide opportunities for partner agencies to improve employment training and services to both youth and adults with disabilities across the nation.”
Janet LaBreck, Rehabilitation Services Administration, Commissioner
Heather:
Here is a quote from Rehabilitation Services Administration Commissioner Janet LaBreck emphasizing the importance of collaboration and coordination and how the development and implementation of the state plans can improve services to youth and adults with disabilities.
Now, I would like to introduce my colleague Brian Miller from the Rehabilitation Services Administration, who will provide an overview of WIOA requirements for the State Plan.

8. Presenter
Brian Miller, Rehabilitation Services Administration, U.S. Department of Education
Now, I would like to introduce my colleague Brian Miller from the Rehabilitation Services Administration.

9. Overview of WIOA Requirements for the State Plan
WIOA was signed by President Obama on July 22, 2014.
Improves services to job seekers, workers, and employers by increasing efficiency, alignment, and integration of programs.
The Unified or Combined State Plan, required by title I of WIOA, should articulate the state’s vision for a trained workforce that meets the needs of employers within the state.
Brian:
WIOA was signed into law by President Obama on July 22, 2014.
WIOA promotes improved services for job seekers, workers, and employers through increased efficiency, program alignment, and integration.
The Unified or Combined State Plan is required by title I of WIOA. It should articulate the state’s vision for a trained workforce that meets the needs of employers within the state.

10. Overview of WIOA Requirements for the State Plan (Cont.)
WIOA requires States to submit Unified or Combined State Plan to DOL to receive funding for core programs.
Governors required to submit four-year workforce development strategies for state workforce development system.
The first Unified or Combined State Plan is due no later than March 3, 2016.
States will use the Rehabilitation Services Administration’s online portal for submitting the Unified or Combined State Plan.
Core partners and any affected Combined Plan partners will jointly review the State Plans.
Federal partners will issue a joint response to the State regarding whether the plan is approved.
Brian:
States are required to submit a Unified or Combined State Plan to DOL to receive funding for core programs.
The state plan would articulate the state’s four-year workforce development strategies.
The first plan is due to DOL no later than March 3, 2016.
States will use the Rehabilitation Services Administration’s online portal to submit the plan.
Core partners and any affected Combined Plan partners will jointly review the state plans.
We will issue a joint response to the state regarding whether the plan is approved.

11. Overview of WIOA Requirements (Cont.)
WIOA requires States, at a minimum, to submit a Unified State Plan, which must cover the following “core” programs:
Title I Adult program (DOL)
Title I Dislocated Worker program (DOL)
Title I Youth program (DOL)
Title II Adult Education and Literacy program (ED)
Title III Wagner Peyser-Employment Service program (DOL)
Title IV Vocational Rehabilitation program (ED)
Brian:
At a minimum, states must submit a Unified State Plan.
The Unified State Plan must cover the WIOA core programs.

12. Overview of WIOA Requirements (Cont.)
In the alternative, States have the option of submitting a Combined State Plan that includes one or more of the following programs:
Perkins Career and Technical Education program (ED)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (HHS)
Community Services Block Grant (HHS)
Supplemental Nutrition Act Employment and Training programs (USDA)
Employment and Training Activities at HUD (HUD)
Continuum of Care, Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG), Resident Opportunities and Self-Sufficiency Grant Program (ROSS), Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS), and Jobs Plus
Trade Adjustment Assistance (DOL)
Jobs for Veterans State Grant programs (DOL)
Unemployment Insurance (DOL)
Senior Community Service Employment program (DOL)
Reintegration of Ex-Offender programs (DOL)
Brian:
As an alternative, states have the option of submitting a combined state plan that includes one or more of the programs listed on this slide.

13. Overview of WIOA Requirements (Cont.)—Interagency Workgroup
ICR is the result of interagency collaboration.
Interagency workgroup comprised of Unified and Combined State Plan programs from Agriculture, DOL, ED, HHS, and HUD.
Brian:
As we mentioned earlier, an interagency workgroup has been working closely to implement the WIOA provisions related to the state plans.
This workgroup is comprised of representatives for each of the programs in Unified and Combined state plans.
The workgroup is addressing:
Regulations
Identification of Unified or Combined State Plan elements
The plan submission method
The process to review and approve state plans
The process for submitting, reviewing, and approving plan modifications
Paperwork Reduction Act packages, and
Sub-regulatory guidance and technical assistance strategy.

14. Comments from the U.S. Department of Labor, Veterans’ Employment & Training Service
“The transformation of the workforce system presents states with a unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships, maximize the alignment of services to veterans and develop a focused strategy on employer engagement through their combined planning process.”
Teresa W. Gerton, Acting Assistant Secretary for Veterans’ Employment and Training Service, U.S. Department of Labor
Brian:
Here we have a quote from Acting Assistant Secretary Teresa Gerton about the opportunity, through the state plan, to align services to veterans and focus on employer engagement.
Now I will turn it back over to Heather to discuss the contents of the ICR.

15. Presenters
Heather Fleck, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
Now I will turn it back over to Heather to discuss the contents of the ICR.

16. Contents of the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Package
Federal Register Notice
Draft Supporting Statement
Information Collection Request (ICR)
Supplement / Attachment
Heather:
The paperwork reduction act package includes four parts:
Federal Register Notice, published August 6, 2015, which notified the public that the comment period has begun.
Draft Supporting Statement – which provides additional background on the state plans and information on the proposed burden.
Information Collection Request (ICR) – This identifies the specific proposed planning elements. The ICR is the document for which we are seeking comment.
Supplement – This identifies the specific proposed planning elements for the Combined Partner Programs

17. Draft Supporting Statement
Provides background information on the Unified and Combined State Plan.
Includes proposed burden for responding to the ICR.
Please review and provide comments as appropriate.
Heather:
The supporting statement provides background information on the Unified and Combined State Plan.
It also provides our estimates for the burden related to responding to the ICR.
We are seeking comments to the information provided in the supporting statement.

18. Information Collection Request (ICR)
Promotes joint planning across programs included in the Unified or Combined State Plan.
No “stapled” individual programmatic plans. The Unified or Combined State Plan will integrate all programmatic planning requirements.
“Common” requirements – States must address as a joint, integrated single answer for all programs that are included in the Unified or Combined State Plan.
“Program Specific” requirements – States must address requirements for those programs that are included in the Unified or Combined State Plan.
At a minimum, program specific requirements must be addressed for all core programs.
Heather:
The information collection request is intended to promote joint planning across the programs included in the state plan.
For each common requirement, states must provide a joint, integrated single answer for all programs that are included in the state plan.
Additionally, states must address the program specific requirements for each program that is included in the state plan. Because states must submit, at a minimum, a unified state plan, this means that at a minimum, states must address the program specific requirements for all of the core programs.

19. Strategic Planning Elements State’s strategic vision and goals
Overview of the Proposed State Plan Elements-Strategic Planning Elements
Strategic Planning Elements
State’s strategic vision and goals
State’s economic conditions
Workforce characteristics
Workforce development activities
Heather:
Now we’re going to go over the overview of the proposed state plan elements.
The first major content of the State Plan ICR is comprised of the strategic planning elements.
The strategic planning elements address the state’s strategic vision and goals, economic conditions, workforce characteristics, and workforce development activities.

20. Overview of the Proposed State Plan Elements-Operational Planning Elements
How the state will achieve its vision and goals
Analysis of necessary infrastructure, policies, and activities
State strategy implementation
State operating systems and policies
Program-specific requirements
Assurances
Heather:
The next major content section is what we call the operational planning elements.
The operational planning elements address:
how the state will achieve its vision and goals,
an analysis of the infrastructure, policies, and activities that are necessary to implement the state’s vision
The strategy for implementing the state’s vision
State operating systems and policies
Program-specific requirements, and
Assurances.

21. Heather:
Now we are going to walk through a few screen shots of the proposed planning requirements document to get you more familiar with it. We have a few screen shots of the Information Collection Request.
Here is the cover sheet.
I would like to note that while this document is what we are seeking comment on, we believe states can begin to use this draft document to help guide their planning efforts now until the final becomes available a few months from now.

22. Heather:
Here we have a screen shot of the table of contents just to help you find the pages within the Information Collection Request (ICR), since it is a somewhat lengthy document.

23. Heather:
Here is a screen shot of the first question you answer as you’re responding to the plan.
Here you would select whether your state will submit a Unified State Plan or a Combined State Plan.
If you are submitting a Combined State Plan, you must also indicate which programs you intend to include.

24. Heather:
As I mentioned before, a major content section is the Strategic Elements Section.
This screen shot shows the beginning of that information we are requiring in our proposal.

25. Heather:
This next screen shot shows the beginning of the operational planning elements.

26. Heather:
The next screenshot is a section on common assurances that apply to all of the core programs that are included in the State Plan.

27. Heather:
The next section is the program specific requirements for each of the core programs.
These requirements reflect the unique requirements of those programs, such as unique requirements for Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth, the Adult Education Programs, Wagner-Peyser, and Vocational Rehabilitation.

28. Heather:
And then finally, a piece of the Information Collection Request includes the targets that states intend to set for their performance accountability measures.
My colleague, Eileen Friedman, from the Department of Health and Human Services, will speak next and discuss the Supplement to the ICR.

29. Presenters
Eileen Friedman, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
My colleague, Eileen Friedman, will speak next and discuss the Supplement to the ICR.

30. Supplement
The Supplement outlines the program-specific requirements for Combined State Plan partner programs.
States choosing to submit a Combined State Plan must provide:
Information regarding the “common” planning elements inclusive of all programs included in the plan;
Information specific to each of the six core programs—the Adult Program, Dislocated Worker Program, Youth Program, Wagner-Peyser Act Program, Adult Education and Family Literacy Act Program, and the Vocational Rehabilitation Program; and
Information specific to the partner programs included in the Combined State Plan.
The Departments are not seeking comments on these program-specific requirements, which exist under separate OMB control numbers and do not represent requirements under WIOA.
This information will also be included in a more streamlined format in the online portal.
Eileen:
The Supplement document identifies all of the program-specific requirements for the combined state partner programs.
If a state chooses to submit a combined state plan, the state must include the combined partner programs, as well as the core programs, in responses to the common planning elements.
Additionally, the state must address program specific elements for each of the core programs as well as for the partner programs included in the combined state plan.
At this time, we are providing the supplement to you for your information. We are not seeking comments to the program specific requirements for the combined partner programs at this time. Many of them exist under separate OMB control numbers or will be seeking public comment through a separate PRA process.

31. This is a screen shot of the program-specific requirements for the combined state plan partner programs so you know which document I am referring to.

32. Comments from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families
“Human services agencies can play a key role in strengthening the effectiveness of state and local implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.  In a  Combined State Plan, the state can coordinate a comprehensive range of employment and training activities, including those supported by Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).  We hope that partners in states will discuss the State Plan requirements, provide comments, and take the next steps in building a network that is responsive to the needs of workers and businesses, with particular attention to workers with the most serious barriers to employment.” 
Mark Greenberg, Acting Assistant Secretary Administration for Children and Families
Here we have a quote from Acting Assistant Secretary Mark Greenberg about the opportunity for states to coordinate a comprehensive range of employment and training activities through a combined state plan.

33. Comments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture
“I am pleased that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) initiative is included in the WIOA strategic planning process.  This collaboration furthers our shared vision of ensuring that low-income families, including SNAP recipients, develop the skills they need to find meaningful work as they move forward into self-sufficiency.”
Kevin Concannon, Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, United States Department of Agriculture
Here is a quote from Under Secretary Kevin Concannon about the opportunity to coordinate with the SNAP E&T programs through the combined state plan.
Next, we will hear from Cheryl Keenan, from the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, who will discuss the process for submitting comments.

34. Presenters
Cheryl Keenan, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, U.S. Department of Education
Next, we will hear from Cheryl Keenan, from the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, who will discuss the process for submitting comments.

35. Request for Comments
The Departments are looking for comments on the proposed supporting statement and ICR.
The Departments are especially interested in public comments addressing the following issues:
Is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Departments?
Will this information be processed and used in a timely manner?
Is the estimate of burden accurate?
How might the Departments enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected?
How might the Departments minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology?
Cheryl:
At this time, we are seeking comments on the proposed supporting statement and information collection request.
We are interested in public comments on the following questions:
Is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Departments?
Will this information be processed and used in a timely manner?
Is the estimate of burden accurate?
How might the Departments enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected?
How might the Departments minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology?

36. 60 day public comment period
The Comment Period
60 day public comment period
PRA Package published on August 6, 2015
Public comment period closes on October 5, 2015.
Cheryl:
The paperwork reduction act package is open for 60 day comment period. It published on August 6, 2015 and closes on October 5, 2015.

37. During the Comment Period
After the PRA package has been issued and the public comment period is open, Federal staff must protect the integrity of the comment record.
Federal staff can listen to public reaction, however, all interested individuals or groups are directed to submit comments to officially, as stipulated in the Federal Register Notice.
Only comments received through the formal process can be considered.
Cheryl:
During this period, Federal staff cannot discuss the proposed materials.
All comments must be officially submitted in order to be considered.
We will be accepting comments through the regulations.gov web site.

38. Comments from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
“Special needs populations and communities as a whole will benefit from having state-wide plans and the training and employment opportunities they will provide.”
Clifford Taffet, General Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Community Planning and Development, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
“We welcome the opportunity to enhance training, employment and educational opportunities for residents of public housing authorities through development of state-wide plans.”
Jemine A. Bryon, General Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian Housing, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Cheryl:
Here are quotes from General Deputy Assistant Secretary Clifford Taffet and General Assistant Secretary Jemine Bryon on the opportunity to coordinate with employment and training activities through the US Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of the combined state plan.

39. Submitting a Formal Comment
Submit comments in one of two ways:
1. Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: by selecting Docket ID number ETA
2. Certified US Mail/Hand Delivery/Courier as instructed in the Federal Register Notice.
Submit comments to: Chief/WIOA State Plan, Division of WIOA Adult Services and Workforce System, Room S-4203, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20210
*Note: There may be significant delays in the receipt of comments submitted through this method. Please consider this when preparing to meet the deadline for submitting comments.
Cheryl:
This slide provides direction for submitting comments on the state plan paperwork reduction act package – either through the Federal e-rulemaking portal or through certified US mail, courier, or hand delivery as instructed through the Federal Register notice.

40. Cheryl:
Notice the search box? This is where you insert the Docket ID number or the title of the ICR to begin searching for the PRA package.

41. How to submit a comment
Directions are described on the regulation.gov ‘help page’ and in the box we circled earlier.
Click on ‘Comment Now’ button on the search results page. This takes you to the Comment Form, ‘Your Information’ screen.
Be sure to complete all requested information.
Enter your comment.
You will hit ‘Enter Comment’ or ‘Edit Comment.’
Cheryl:
Directions for submitting a comment are described on the regulation.gov ‘help page’ and in the box we circled earlier.
Click on ‘Comment Now’ button on the search results page. This takes you to the Comment Form, ‘Your Information’ screen.
Be sure to complete all requested information.
Enter your comment.
You will hit ‘Enter Comment’ or ‘Edit Comment.’

42. Click Comment Now! Cheryl:
Once you are satisfied with what you have written, you must agree to the disclaimer information and then check the box. This will enable you to submit your comment.
You will click on “Click Comment Now” to submit the comment.

43. Your Comment Receipt
If you submit your comments using once you submit your comment there will be a viewable “Your receipt” flag.
Be sure to save the comment tracking number included on this receipt, in case you want to find your submission again.
You can also receive an ed copy of your comment receipt.
There will be a message, “Your receipt was sent successfully.”
Cheryl:
Once you submit your comment there will be a viewable “your receipt” flag.
When you click on “your receipt” there will be a comment tracking number, which you should be sure to save.
This is in case you would like to find your comment again.
You can also receive an ed copy of your comment receipt. When you request this successfully there will be a message saying, “your receipt was sent successfully”.

44. Please note that while the speaker uses the process of submitting comments to a proposed rule as an example, her remarks are meant to illustrate the process for submitting comments to the proposed State Plan Information Collection Request (ICR). The process for submitting comments to the proposed ICR closely mirrors the process for submitting comments to a proposed rule. Please reference the corresponding slides for additional information regarding submitting comments to the ICR.
A Good Comment
Identify the section and page number from the ICR on which you are commenting (e.g., II. Strategic Elements, pg. 6).
If there are paragraph designations in the text, identify the section, paragraph, and page number (e.g., II. Strategic Elements, (a)(1)(A) (ii), pg. 6).
Please provide a recommendation if you are suggesting a change. Explain why you are making the recommendation and how to make it work.
If you are commenting on several sections of the ICR at once, please try to organize your comments by section or paragraph so that we clearly understand your comment.
Cheryl:
To submit a good comment, identify a citation from the proposed rule (for example 20 CFR ) where your thoughts of support or concern exist.
State what you support or what you recommend that we change.
Explain why you support a provision or why you have concerns about a provision.
Provide a recommendation if you are suggesting a change.
In the recommendation, explain how to make it work. Be specific, provide research, evidence or examples, where possible.
Note: Please note that while the speaker uses the process of submitting comments to a proposed rule as an example, her remarks are meant to illustrate the process for submitting comments to the proposed State Plan Information Collection Request (ICR). The process for submitting comments to the proposed ICR closely mirrors the process for submitting comments to a proposed rule. Please reference the corresponding slides for additional information regarding submitting comments to the ICR.

45. Please note that while the speaker uses the process of submitting comments to a proposed rule as an example, her remarks are meant to illustrate the process for submitting comments to the proposed State Plan Information Collection Request (ICR). The process for submitting comments to the proposed ICR closely mirrors the process for submitting comments to a proposed rule. Please reference the corresponding slides for additional information regarding submitting comments to the ICR.
What Happens Next?
Once you submit your comments, we will begin reviewing and analyzing your comments.
Once the public comment period closes, we will consider all proposals and make changes to the ICR as appropriate.
The Departments encourage you to comment early. This provides an opportunity for others to review your ideas and provide comments in support of your idea or provide a new idea that was sparked by your idea.
Cheryl:
Once you submit your comments, we will begin reviewing and analyzing them. We will consider your proposals and make changes to the final rule as appropriate.
We encourage you to comment early in the available 60 days.
This provides an opportunity for others to review your ideas, since we post them, and to provide comments in support of your idea or provide a new idea that was sparked by your idea.
Note: Please note that while the speaker uses the process of submitting comments to a proposed rule as an example, her remarks are meant to illustrate the process for submitting comments to the proposed State Plan Information Collection Request (ICR). The process for submitting comments to the proposed ICR closely mirrors the process for submitting comments to a proposed rule. Please reference the corresponding slides for additional information regarding submitting comments to the ICR.

46. Do My Comments Make a Difference?
Please note that while the speaker uses the process of submitting comments to a proposed rule as an example, her remarks are meant to illustrate the process for submitting comments to the proposed State Plan Information Collection Request (ICR). The process for submitting comments to the proposed ICR closely mirrors the process for submitting comments to a proposed rule. Please reference the corresponding slides for additional information regarding submitting comments to the ICR.
Do My Comments Make a Difference?
Cheryl:
Having the government ask for and receive comments on proposed rulemaking for federal regulations is a part of open and transparent government practice.
Your comments do make a difference
Public comment is often effective in changing the proposed rules in the final drafting.
Note: Please note that while the speaker uses the process of submitting comments to a proposed rule as an example, her remarks are meant to illustrate the process for submitting comments to the proposed State Plan Information Collection Request (ICR). The process for submitting comments to the proposed ICR closely mirrors the process for submitting comments to a proposed rule. Please reference the corresponding slides for additional information regarding submitting comments to the ICR.

47. Thank You for Joining Us Today!
Cheryl:
Thank you for joining this Webinar today to learn more about commenting on the state plan paperwork reduction act documents.