Kansas (KDADS) described an ARPA-funded partnership with the University of Kansas that combined EVV records, Bureau of Labor Statistics data and surveys to shape training and career-ladder initiatives and to support legislative outreach.

The Ohio Senate passed Substitute House Bill 44, allowing police departments to fill certain vacancies without a competitive civil‑service exam when the department demonstrates the exam is unnecessary and permitting regional advanced training for sergeants and above. Supporters said the change will help recruitment and retention; opponents did not

EMS reported response times in line with national rural averages and ongoing staffing and training challenges; commissioners discussed the county telephone surcharge that funds 9‑1‑1 operations and whether to keep it as a recurring voter authorization.

Panel evaluates 28 proposals for funding to address regional workforce training needs.

State and federal representatives described how WIOA supportive services, SNAP Employment & Training reimbursements and the Governors Guaranteed Workforce Program can reduce employer costs for apprenticeships; resources and local contacts were shared. Transcript included an inconsistent figure for the governors program (see audit).