As the Senate continues to consider the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) reauthorization in the 118th U.S. Congress, IEDC commends elements of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) discussion draft released on June 21, 2024, that call for greater alignment and coordination between Workforce Development Boards and Economic Development Organizations, including requirements for workforce training grants to require collaboration with WDBs and EDOs (Section 121, p. 85-86 and Section 143, p. 218-220; 285-289). This step will no doubt provide more support to both business and talent, balancing needs with opportunities benefiting businesses, workers, communities, and the economy as a whole for the next decade and beyond.
However, the Senate’s discussion draft does not explicitly cite authorized funding levels for any programs authorized under the legislation. Amid persistent inflation and the changing dynamics of business operations, IEDC supports adequate funding levels for core Title I WIOA programs to meet the needs of the 21st century economy (Section 149, p. 234-235). Increasing investments in WIOA is critical to ensuring that businesses have the skilled talent they need while also providing viable pathways for vulnerable and underserved populations—including youth—to participate successfully within the labor market. A significantly increased authorization of funds for workforce development programs will subsequently aid regionally diverse communities in attracting business investments throughout the United States, thus minimizing regional inequality, spurring economic mobility, and keeping America competitive globally. Further to this, IEDC encourages the HELP committee to incorporate concepts of Senators Laphonza Butler (CA) and Tim Kaine’s (VA) legislation, “Generation Now Workforce Representation Act of 2024 (GeNWRA),” as an amendment to WIOA reauthorization to strengthen youth representation on Workforce Development Boards.
IEDC supports giving Workforce Development Boards flexibilities and options to engage with voices from diverse demographics—including emerging talent—that can help shape best practices for next generation skills training alongside employers to facilitate sustainable economic development.
Senate HELP Committee Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Reauthorization Discussion Draft
https://www.sanders.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/WIOA-HELP-Bipartisan-Discussion-2024-Draft.pdf
GeNWRA Bill Full Text
https://www.butler.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GENRWA-Bill-Text-Final.pdf
GeNWRA One-Pager
https://www.butler.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/One-pagers-7.pdf