Update (July 9, 2014): The Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act Passes House
On July 9, 2014, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act with a 415-6 vote. The Senate passed the bill June 25, 2014 with a 95-3 vote. Read our blog about the significance of this legislation passing Congress!
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) was signed into law in 1998 and has been stuck in political gridlock since the law came up for reauthorization in 2003. This $3 billion program funds state and local workforce initiatives and provides a comprehensive menu of job training services for adults and youth.
A crucial component of Opportunity Nation’s cross-sector Shared Plan, Opportunity Nation advocates for the Workforce Investment Act reauthorization to encourage greater collaboration between employers and community colleges and innovative pay-for-performance models to ensure funds are being spent in the most effective ways possible.
Reauthorization of WIA would be a great step forward for teens and young adults who are currently not connected to school or work or at risk for becoming disconnected.
Learn more about Opportunity Nation’s WIA proposals:
Update (June 25, 2014): The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
On June 25, 2014, the Senate passed a bipartisan and reauthorized Workforce Investment Act with a 95-3 vote.
- Opportunity Nation’s response to WIOA
- Opportunity Nation Briefing Call with Congressional Staff
- The complete legislation text
- A one-page summary of the legislation
- A section-by-section summary
Related Resources:
Recent Senate WIA Reauthorization:
On July 31, 2013 the Senate HELP Committee passed S. 1356, the Workforce Investment Act of 2013, a bipartisan bill to reauthorize WIA.
- Related legislation supported by Opportunity Nation:
Recent House WIA Reauthorization:
In April 2013, the House passed HR 803, the Supporting Knowledge and Investing in Lifelong Skills (SKILLS) Act by a vote of 215-202.
- Opportunity Nation supported the Pay-for-Performance Amendment to HR 803. Read Opportunity Nation’s letter to Congresswoman Brooks.
