After major problems with a Central Florida workforce board, a House panel Tuesday began moving forward with a bill that would lead to more state control of the regional agencies that help provide job training and other services.
The proposal, which was approved by the House Business & Consumer Affairs Subcommittee, would give the governor power to approve workforce board chairmen and executive directors. Also, it could put new limits on the number of members of the boards and includes financial-disclosure requirements.
Earlier, it was revealed that Workforce Central Florida had a history of widespread problems, including the awarding of agency contracts to board members.
Rep. Jason Brodeur, a Sanford Republican who is sponsoring the proposal (PCB BCAS 12-01), said problems have also been found at other agencies since 2003.
“A lot of things have gone on for the last eight years that essentially have gone unchecked,” Brodeur said.
But other lawmakers raised questions about expanding the state’s role.
Rep. Darryl Rouson, D-St. Petersburg, said local officials should be allowed to clean up “their mess.”
