[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 29 (Thursday, February 12, 1998)] [Notices] [Pages 7183-7184] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 98-3587] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration Proposed Collection; Comment Request February 5, 1998. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an [[Page 7184]] opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden will be approximately 10 hours per annual response and we anticipate 56 responses with no capital/start-up costs, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Employment and Training Administration is soliciting comments concerning the proposed collection of the Planning Guidance and Instructions for Submission of Annual State Plans for FY'99 Welfare-to-Work Formula Grants. A copy of the proposed information collection request (ICR) can be obtained by contacting the office listed below in the addressee section of this notice. DATES: Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the addressee section below on or before April 13, 1998. The Department of Labor is particularly interested in comments which:Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility; Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used; Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses. ADDRESSES: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, ATTENTION: Stephanie Curtis, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Room N-4670, Washington, DC 20210, 202-219-7533 extension 166 (this is not a toll free number) and/or via e-mail [email protected]; fax number is 202-219-7190. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background The Balanced Budget Act of 1997, signed by the President on August 5, 1997, authorized the U.S. Department of Labor to provide Welfare-to- Work (WtW) Grants to States and local communities to provide transitional employment assistance to move Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients with significant employment barriers into unsubsidized jobs providing long-term employment opportunities. In order to receive formula grant funds, the statute provides that the State must submit a plan for the administration of the WtW grant. This Planning Guidance and Instructions for Submission of Annual State Plans addresses the information required from States which will enable them to qualify for the FY '99 formula grant funds. Separate guidance will be issued for both the grants to the Indian tribes and the competitive grants. II. Current Actions The 1998 Planning Guidance and Instructions has been minimally revised for FY'99 to solicit information required from States which will enable them to obtain FY '99 formula grant funds. These revisions affect the timing for the submission of plans as well as optional additional information which States may submit indicating their interest in receiving FY '98 funds which will be reallocated. Type of Review: New. Agency: Employment and Training Administration. Title: Planning Guidance and Instructions for Submission of Annual State Plans for FY '99 Welfare-to-Work Formula Grants. OMB Number: 1205-0new. Affected Public: State and local governments. Total Respondents: 56. Frequency: Annually. Total Responses: 56. Average Time per Response: 10 hours. Estimated Total Burden Hours: 560. Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): 0. Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): 0. Comments submitted in response to this comment request will be summarized and/or included in the request for the Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; they will also become a matter of public record. Dated: February 5, 1998. Dennis Lieberman, Acting Director, Welfare-to-Work Grant Program Implementation Team. [FR Doc. 98-3587 Filed 2-11-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-30-P