High Country Times

Today, a hearing was held by the Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee, chaired by Burgess Owens (R-UT), to discuss the future of workforce development in America. The focus was on strengthening the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) through proposed legislation known as "A Stronger Workforce for America Act."

Chairman Owens opened the session with a prepared statement, emphasizing the importance of a robust workforce development system for economic growth and opportunity. He noted that while there are nearly 8 million open jobs in the U.S., 6.8 million people remain unemployed, many lacking necessary skills.

"When the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, or WIOA, was enacted in 2014," Owens stated, "it streamlined federal workforce development programs and improved accountability." However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges in providing high-quality services to meet current labor market demands.

The proposed act aims to address these issues by allocating at least 50 percent of adult and dislocated worker funding towards skill acquisition through various training programs. It also proposes establishing a "critical industry skills fund" to support upskilling workers in priority industries selected by states.

Furthermore, Owens highlighted provisions targeting youth employment through enhanced work-based learning opportunities and apprenticeships. The bill seeks to improve community college programs aligned with industry needs by incorporating competency-based assessments.

Owens also mentioned innovative ideas within the bill that allow states more flexibility in managing workforce systems. This includes provisions from his One Door to Work Act, which encourages consolidation of resources in smaller states.

In conclusion, Owens expressed optimism about improving outcomes under WIOA with these updates: "I look forward to hearing from our panel of witnesses."