New Democrat Coalition Weighs in on Implementation of WIOA

Press Release

Washington, DC -- Yesterday 33 members of the House New Democrat Coalition sent a letter to Secretary of Labor Tom Perez outlining key priorities for implementation of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The letter, led by the Co-Chairs of the 21st Century Education, Immigration, and Workforce Task Force, calls for the Secretary to take steps to support robust career pathways, better align business and community needs, and streamline the use of data at the federal and state levels.

"We have a tremendous opportunity to leverage the latest technologies to help people begin a career by connecting them to career training with local businesses and apprenticeship programs," said Task Force Co-Chair Jared Polis (D-CO). The letter highlights opportunities for the Department of Labor to study and implement initiatives that support workers, such as home care aids and child care workers, as they seek opportunities for career development. Said Task Force Co-Chair Joaquin Castro (D-TX), "As the Department works toward meeting the important goals set out in WIOA, aligning its work with state and local needs will help boost its efforts to fight for hardworking Americans."

"Investing in a 21st Century workforce is a key part of our American Prosperity Agenda and we need initiatives like those in WIOA to support everyday Americans,"said Task Force Co-Chair Elizabeth Esty (D-CT). "We need robust career training models to ensure that all Americans have the skills they need to succeed and help build a stronger economy."

Twenty-First Century Education, Immigration, and Workforce Task Force Co-Chairs Joaquin Castro, Elizabeth Esty, Jared Polis; Coalition Chair Ron Kind; Vice Chairs Gerry Connolly, Susan Davis, and Jim Himes; Whip John Carney; and 25 other Coalition Members signed the letter.

Source