The commissioner shall work cooperatively with the Career One Stop Centers and the Workforce Investment Boards to develop career ladder initiatives for employment program clients and former employment program clients.
I. Career ladder initiatives shall:
(a) Promote both increased pay and increased benefits.
(b) Match the needs of the local economy.
(c) Focus on current in-demand occupations with the state.
(d) Explore self employment opportunities.
(e) Share TANF and WIA funding to the extent possible.
II. The department shall report its progress to the oversight committee on health and human services no later than January 1.