A companion to a previous publication called "Private Industry Council Roles and Options," this document is intended to help State Job Training Coordinating Council members and other interested parties better understand the scope and significance of the councils' mission. It provides basic information on the mission, roles, functions, and organization of the councils. Part 1 addresses the purpose of the state councils; their evolution since the 1982 passage of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) that created them; their organization; and their functions. Part 2 discusses the councils' responsibilities under the following legislation: (1) the JTPA amendments to the Wagner-Peyser Act governing the coordination of activities between JTPA and the public employment service; (2) the Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act of 1984; (3) the Job Opportunity and Basic Skills Training Program of the Family Support Act of 1988; and (4) the Economic Dislocation and Worker Adjustment Assistance Act of 1988. Part 3 addresses issues and options for developing comprehensive state work force investment strategies. The document concludes with a summary, a 14-item bibliography, and an appendix that contains the names and addresses of National Alliance of Business contacts for information and technical assistance. (CML)