Washington Update: the latest news in workforce development

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National Skills Coalition’s Washington Updates offer the latest news on a range of federal policies – including higher education, workforce, trade, tax and budget policy – that impact our nation’s efforts to develop a skilled workforce.

Our latest Update covers the following developments, and more. Click to read the full issue.

• DOL announces final round of TAACCCT grantees: On September 29, Vice President Biden announced $450 million in grants to community colleges as part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant program. DOL was particularly concerned with making this round of TAACCCT grants “job-driven” and consistent with the principles identified in the Administration’s job-driven training action plan.
• DOL awards innovation grants: On September 24, DOL announced over $50 million in Workforce Innovation Fund grants to 11 state and local entities in nine states. These grants will be used to support innovative employment and training activities, and improve performance and service delivery within the public workforce system.
• FNS announces new SNAP E&T pilot grants: On August 25, the Food and Nutrition Service released a Request for Applications for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment & Training pilot program. Several critical changes to the 2014 Farm Bill present an opportunity for states to take full advantage of SNAP E&T and pursue new strategies for helping SNAP recipients move into stable employment.
• Congress Moves Forward with FY 2015 Appropriations: Earlier this year, the Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations subcommittee released its FY 2015 spending bill. The bill provides for increases in Workforce Investment Act formula funds as well as increases to other workforce programs.
• White House Releases Job-Driven Training Action Plan; President Signs WIOA: On July 22, the White House released its job-driven training action plan, coinciding with the President’s signing of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. The action plan emphasizes strategies NSC has long advocated for, including industry engagement through sector partnerships and the development of career pathways.
   

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