Agenda and Minutes - Pillar 4 Subcommittee Meeting July 12, 2023

Subcommittee on Pillar 4: Address Barriers to Paid Work, Education, and Advancement

Wednesday, July 12, 2023, 1:00-2:00 PM

Recording

Subcommittee members in attendance:

  1. Jennifer Groce - subcommittee chairperson; Commission member
  2. Jason Horwitz - IWGP member
  3. Carrie Thomas - IWGP member
  4. Erion Malasi - public member
  5. Heather Becker - public member
  6. Amy Evans - public member
  7. Jeremy Rosen - public member

Administrator:

  1. Kari Branham, IDHS Special Projects Administrator
  2. Len Conant, Office Coordinator, IDHS

IDHS SME:

  1. Dan Lyonsmith, FCS Associate Director, Office of Workforce Development
  2. Jennifer Gentile - Deputy Director, Bureau of Clinical Services, DDD, IDHS

Guest: Matthew Rodriguez - facilitator, Equity Imperative

Agenda:

  1. Introductions/Welcome Roll Call
  2. Public Comment - subject to written comment in advance
  3. Housekeeping
  4. Approval of Meeting Minutes: March 1, 2023 and May 8, 2023
  5. Presentation & Approval of Committee FY24 Action Goals
  6. Next Steps and Adjournment

Minutes:

  1. Introductions/Welcome Roll Call - out of 12 voting members, seven were present. Quorum was declared.
  2. Public Comment - subject to written comment in advance, none received.
  3. Housekeeping - Administrator Kari Branham reminded attendees that only voting members can vote on committee business, make motions and second motions. IDHS subject matter experts provide knowledge and information. She also reminded members to complete the 2023 IDHS Mandatory trainings, Len will be sending email reminders.
  4. Approval of Meeting Minutes: March 1, 2023 and May 8, 2023
    • Mr. Malasi moved to approve both sets of minutes seconded by Mr. Horwitz. The group unanimously approved both sets of meeting minutes, March 1, 2023 and May 8, 2023.
  5. Presentation & Approval of Committee FY24 Action Goals
    • Mr. Rodriguez gave a recap of the previous meeting and presented the three action goals distilled from the discussion. He reminded the group that the all the details and how the goals will be achieved will be discussed in succeeding meetings as FY24 kicks in.
      1. By June 30th, 2024 Pillar 4 will create a state-wide map of childcare availability and their services, and comprehensively analyze the map to identify service gaps and the extent to which they need to be addressed. Reference: Dan, Jennifer
      2. By June 30th, 2024 Pillar 4 will continue to schedule advocacy meetings, have conversations, and increase the awareness of key decision-makers to address any relevant service gaps to ensure the increase of the number of high-quality (using NAEYC definition of quality, compensation, and affordability) childcare providers who offer flexible hours of service to meet the needs of a modern workforce. Reference: Kafi, Jennifer, Jeremy, Anna, Dan
      3. By June 30th, 2024 Pillar 4 will expand the funding and reach of DHS' Employment Barrier Reduction program by at least 25% - now serving 38 counties through 14 Action Agencies. Extra funding to expand to at least 18 action agencies will increase the statewide reach of the program. Reference: Dan, Jennifer, Jeremy
      4. By June 30th, 2024 Pillar 4 will develop a partnership with IBHE to re-engage adults who dropped out or stopped out of post-secondary opportunities due to barriers such as advising errors, life circumstances, transfer release, pandemic-related challenges, financial holds, etc., in support of their equity strategy #4: Attract working adults through outreach and supports specifically for them.
    • The goals were presented in a shared document were members indicated whether they agree with the goal or whether it could be refined or strengthened, or if they have refinements on the language.
    • The group agreed on goal 1 but will include gaps/demands on the creation of the map; and if there's already work that's been started or if there's a map that's unfinished will be utilized in coordination with relevant agencies.
    • The group agreed to add the word "community" before "action agencies" on goal 3 since it is the community action agencies that are distributing the services. The agreed on goal 3 taking note of all the comments with regards to the details of how the work will be done as FY24 kicks in.
    • On goal 2, the group agreed to shift the language to designing an advocacy strategy with aspect of prioritization of high needs areas
    • The group agreed to put a hold for goal 4 as it does not have explicit connection to those experiencing deep poverty and doesn't have explicit articulation about what the end goal is. Further, the goal is not just about completion but about doing something with what you complete. Chair Groce will potentially have an additional conversation with IBHE as the goal is IBHE-specific to get more insigths.
    • Chair Groce moved to approve the goals 1-3 as presented and edited and with modifications. Mr. Malasi seconded. The group unanimously approved goals 1 to 3 with the modifications that will be made by Mr. Rodriguez.
  6. Next Steps and Adjournment
    • The goals will be presented to the Commission special meeting tomorrow, July 13th at 10AM.
    • Implementation strategies to accomplish the goals will be discussed in the next meeting. Agencies that need to be brought into the table will be identified to discuss their programming.
    • Ms. Thomas will send a suggestion statement for goal 4.
    • Ms. Thomas moved to adjourn seconded by Mr. Malasi. The group unanimously agreed to adjourn at 2:06 PM.