ETP Funding Restored; CSA Involved

Over the past few years, CSA has worked to fully restore funding for the Employment Training Panel (ETP).  This year, we have succeeded in restoring full funding of between $70-80 million for the program. 

The ETP was established in 1982 by employers willing to tax themselves for the purposes of creating a unique training program designed to help\ keep their workers ion the cutting edge of technology improvements.  The program is funded through a tax of 1/10th of 1% of an employer's unemployment insurance contributions.  The Unemployment Insurance Code states that the funds collected for this program are to be used for the purposes of funding ETP.  Despite this clear language, past Legislatures have transferred millions of dollars from the fund and to the Department of Social Services.  This year, both the Assembly and Senate Budget Subcommittees on State Administration are rejecting any further transfer.  With both houses recommending the same budget language on this issue, the issue is finalized and will be reported to the Governor in the final budget bill.

CSA is pleased to have been joined in this fight with other organizations that also represent the business community, including the California Chamber of Commerce, Western Growers and the California Manufacture and Technology Association.  Our coalition was also joined by representatives from the labor community who understand the competitive value of this important training program. 

Eric A. Daniels
Director, State and Local Government Affairs
The California Space Authority
916-551-1543 ofc
916-551-1579 fax