WIOA Finally Approved - Took over 1 year

I have been long term unemployed, and trying to get my CDL funded via the WOIA Program. I am fortunate that I had a savings account to live off when my unemploymenet benefits ran out 9 months go, and while WOIA only takes into account your income, not your assets, I have been met with numerous denials and excuses as to why they would not fund the training.
How did I finally make it happen? I contacted my local State Legislative Representative. I sent him an email 3 weeks ago, explained why I was unemployed (Laid off, job offshored), and I was curious why a program that is there to help those unemployed through no fault of their own, become gainfully employed, was funding training for those employed and getting a check. I sent it, did not hope for much, but 2 days later he phoned me.
On the phone I told him I watched people who were employed, albeit at Wendy's, McDonalds, a car wash, a few cashiers, walk in and get funding, with no resistance, yet I was told I needed to keep looking. He said he would see what he could do for me.
Today I received an email from the WOIA Director at the local Work Center, I have been approved. She still feels I should continue to look, but will fund my training, all I need to do is sign some paperwork.
For those wondering, the requirements for WOIA unemployed or underemployed, if you meet the requirements for the occupation you wish to be trained in (CDL requires DOT Medical, minimum age for interstate), your employ-ability in that field, your income, but not your assets. You get bumped up to the top of the funding list if you are a Vet, in my case that didn't seem to help.
If you are finding resistance to funding, contact your State Representative, be factual, no emotions in the email, see what happens.

 

Unfortunately there are no Community Colleges where I live that offer CDL Training, and private schools charge between $7,500 and $12,000. The assets I had were tied up, and there were penalties for liquidating prior to their maturity. For those wondering, anytime you invest in bonds, or any other type of investment where you are locked in time wise, so as I did, stagger them out, in my case I always had one renewing every 90 days, and the usual length was 48 or 60 months, gives you the highest yield, yet leaves you in the position where if you need funds, at most the next renewal is 90 days away. I had to plan for the mortgage payments, COBRA Medical Coverage, taxes and regular bills.
I tried to negotiate the WIOA rate with the schools, which is heavily discounted, $3,100 for the $7,500, and $5,500 for the $12,000 class. None of them would negotiate it, they said the program was a special negotiation.