Washington, DC – The following is a statement from Brooke DeRenzis, CEO at National Skills Coalition, in response to the passage of the reconciliation bill:
“This bill delivers harmful cuts that will have both immediate and lasting consequences for workers and families in every state. Slashing safety net programs like SNAP and Medicaid will make it harder for workers and students to get ahead. It’s harder for people to train for a new career or succeed in the workforce if they’re struggling to put food on the table, see a doctor when sick, or afford basic necessities.
In addition, the bill paves the way for potential cuts to infrastructure and clean energy investments that local businesses and communities are already counting on. That means billions in lost economic opportunity and the elimination of thousands of good-paying jobs that workers need to advance their careers.
The sole highlight in a bill that is otherwise damaging for working families is the inclusion of Short-Term Pell, which expands Pell grants to high-quality, short-term training programs. A decade-long priority for NSC, its passage is a welcome step forward for students and workers. For Short-Term Pell to succeed, its implementation must focus on students’ outcomes and ensure that it makes students better off economically. National Skills Coalition will continue to advocate for these protections and engage fully in the rulemaking process.
We must also be clear: the fight for investments in working people is far from over. The President’s recent budget request proposes even deeper cuts to training, education, broadband and childcare, risky workforce development program consolidations, and the rollback of essential supports that workers and businesses rely on.
We cannot cut our way into prosperity. A stronger and fairer economy that can compete globally demands more investment in skills training and supportive services—not less.
Together with our network, National Skills Coalition will continue to fight for bold investments that create real opportunity for every worker and every industry.”
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