Across the country, millions of workers, students, and employers are ready to build on real federal momentum: from new access to Pell grants for high-quality, short-term programs that connect people to in-demand jobs, to bipartisan proposals that strengthen sector partnerships, modernize WIOA, expand apprenticeships, and improve access to digital skills. These are important steps to help workers build skills, businesses find the talent they need, and communities thrive. But that progress is at risk.
Deep cuts to workforce programs and rollbacks to SNAP and Medicaid would make it harder for people to meet their basic needs or train for new opportunities—and harder for employers to find skilled workers.
To keep our workforce strong, National Skills Coalition will be calling on Congress to sustain and strengthen investments in our workforce and the people who make it run, ensuring that workers, businesses, and communities contribute to the nation’s growth and prosperity. Our 6 priorities for 2026 are:
The policy recommendations in this legislative agenda reflect our network’s perspectives on how the federal government can support the workforce today—and tomorrow. By advancing both federal and state policy reforms, we can create an inclusive economy and deliver prosperity to America’s ever-changing workforce.
