New Mexico Register / Volume XXXIV, Issue 6 / March 28, 2023

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING

Public Hearing. The Economic Development Department (EDD) will be hosting a virtual public rule hearing on Friday, May 4, 2023, beginning at 9:00am. For instructions on how to attend this meeting, visit the Department’s website at: https://edd.newmexico.gov/about-us/public-notices. The purpose of the public hearing is to receive public input on the proposed amendments to 5.5.50 NMAC, Industrial Development Training Program (Job Training Incentive Program) and address additional changes that may have been suggested by the Industrial Training Board or other interested parties during the public comment period.

Rule Change Information: The purpose of this rule change is to consider revising current customized training language where the reimbursement for classroom training is consistent with JTIP policy and range from 50% - 75% based on the company location in policy for FY24. If the employer’s in-kind contribution to the training (employee wages paid to employee while attending classroom training exceed the cost of the training, then the reimbursement will be 100% of the classroom training. Consideration to eliminate the maximum rate of $35 per hour of training per trainee, to increase the cap from $1,000 to $6,000 per trainee and to revise language that would allow reimbursement for industry certification programs. Additionally, to consider revising language for JTIP trainees hired through a temporary staffing agency.

Rule Change Information: The purpose of this rule change is to also consider revising language in STEP-UP policy to increase the training reimbursement per trainee in any single training activity from $2,500 to $6,000.

Statutory Authorization:

Section 21-19-7 NMSA 1978 grants the Industrial Training Board the authority to promulgate and enforce rule.

Public comment: Interested individuals are strongly encouraged to submit written comments regarding the proposed policy amendments relating to the Job Training Incentive Program to Patrick Gannon, JTIP Program Manager, at patrick.gannon@edd.nm.gov. Written comments must be received no later than 5:00 pm on Friday, April 28, 2023. EDD encourages the early submission of written comments. Individuals may also testify at the public hearing.

The proposed policy amendments and current JTIP Policy Manual may be accessed through EDD’s website https://edd.newmexico.gov/about-us/public-notices/ beginning March 28, 2023, or from Patrick Gannon at the contact above.

Individuals with disabilities who require this information in an alternative format or need any form of auxiliary aid to attend or participate in this hearing are asked to contact Patrick Gannon as soon as possible. The EDD requests at least ten days advanced notice to provide requested special accommodations.