Florida's Workforce Boards Under Investigation

TALLAHASSEE (CBS4) – The two dozen regional workforce boards around the state tasked with getting laid off Floridians back to work are being investigated by the U.S. Department of Labor as to whether they improperly awarded contracts to companies tied to agency board members.

A state report requested last year by state Sen. Mike Fasano found that from 2008 to 2010 agencies issued 574 contracts worth more than $55 million. At least $7 million went to private, for-profit companies tied to board members.

The regional boards work with local businesses and provide job placement, recruitment assistance and funds for skills training.

The Orlando Sentinel has reported Workforce Central Florida and its counterparts awarded millions to board member companies in contracts.

The director for the Agency for Workforce Innovation says the agency supports the investigation and will take any and all appropriate actions.

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