Congress has a chance to move a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) as part of a year-end package tying up their work. NSC is urging lawmakers to capitalize on this opportunity now and to prioritize complementary skills training policies in the new Congress.
Key components of the bill are designed to help workers and small businesses rise to the challenges of this critical moment, when working people and families urgently need support. These provisions include modernized grants for worker training, a greater emphasis on industry and sector partnerships, and enhanced support for data systems to measure training program outcomes and address disparities. These priorities align closely with NSC’s recommendations and reflect public polling from earlier this year, which found that nearly 70% of voters view limited access to skills training as a significant challenge facing workers in today’s job market.
At the same time, we must acknowledge that the legislation falls short. It doesn’t include adequate funding for new activities it encourages, even though people need—and want—the federal government to invest more in skills training. Our public opinion polling shows that more than 80% of voters support increasing government funding for skills training. People all over the country, of every background, want investments that help cover costs for workers to prepare for new jobs; that make support services like career counseling, child care, and transportation more affordable; and that fosters closer partnerships between training providers and businesses to ensure that workers are trained for the jobs businesses need to fill—enabling local communities to thrive. Additionally, the legislation includes a pilot program that—without proper standards and reporting—could overlook the specific needs of local communities and be the first step towards block granting workforce dollars. Furthermore, the legislation does not incorporate specific enough racial equity goals necessary for creating an inclusive economy.
NSC’s network members have long been influential and enthusiastic voices in advocacy on the priorities for a WIOA reauthorization. While reauthorizing WIOA now would be a critical step forward, we must not lose sight of the work that remains.
Addressing the shortcomings of funding levels through appropriations and prioritizing the expansion of Pell grants to high-quality, short-term programs must be top priorities for the next Congress. Equally important will be the effective implementation of a reauthorized WIOA, including a commitment to measure the actual impact of pilot programs on working people and small businesses by incoming leaders at U.S. Departments of Labor and Education.
The bill is not perfect. However, this moment presents an opportunity to make a significant improvement. And with our network’s continued engagement and action, the legislation could be the first step in improving strategies that support working people’s careers, and help small businesses expand and grow.
Reauthorizing WIOA is just the beginning; the work ahead to create meaningful, lasting policy changes will define the future of working people and the local businesses that rely on them.
