H3726 establishes the Office of Statewide Workforce Development Coordination (SWDC) within the Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW). It also transfers and restructures the Coordinating Council for Workforce Development (CCWD) from the Department of Commerce to DEW. The CCWD is responsible for fostering discussions, collaborations, and information sharing related to workforce preparation and training in the state. Moreover, it must develop the Unified State Plan (USP), which aims to create a comprehensive statewide education and workforce development strategy that streamlines and unifies efforts across relevant entities.
The South Carolina State Senate passed H3726 on May 10, 2023 by a vote of 41 to 2. We have assigned pluses to the nays because this legislation expands the government by establishing a new government office. The objectives of this agency, namely creating a comprehensive statewide education and workforce development strategy, should be entrusted to the private sector and the free market.