In July 2024, Charlotte Works, the WDB serving Mecklenburg County, NC, released a publication through its website that invited us to “Discover the history of workforce development in the United States and examine the impact of our nation’s laws as well as the importance of local workforce boards in the economic development of local communities…as a testament to the importance of investing in the skills and training of the nation’s workforce.”
KRA believes it is important to review the incredible resilience of our industry’s past, because we can anticipate future trends based on historical patterns, overcome obstacles in the past to help us build confidence and strength in the future, learn about the causes and consequences of the legislation that evolved over the years, and develop critical decision-making skills by examining historical events.
The article continued, “From the Smith-Hughes Act to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, these laws have evolved over time to address the changing needs of the economy and ensure that workers are equipped with the skills they need to succeed.
“As the United States continues to face economic challenges and technological advancements, workforce development will remain a critical priority. By continuing to invest in the skills and training of the nation’s workforce and by promoting the role of local workforce boards in economic development, the United States can ensure that its workforce remains competitive and resilient in the global economy.”
On November 21, 2024, the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) posted, “The leaders of the House Education and the Workforce Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee announced they have reached a bipartisan and bicameral agreement on legislation to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for the next five years.”
A Stronger Workforce for America Act (ASWA) is the new legislation that was passed by the House and Senate Committees, and would have replaced WIOA if authorized.
However, on December 20, 2024, NAWB posted, “The 118th Congress will conclude without having completed work to reauthorize the Innovation and Opportunity Act. It’s unclear whether the 119th Congress will reconsider funding WIOA in 2025.”
For more than 100 years, federal legislation—most recently WIOA—has been the lynchpin of U.S. workforce-development programming that meets the needs of tens of millions of jobseekers and businesses, and the lifeline for individuals seeking economic self-sufficiency for themselves and their families.
Through decades of experience, KRA has demonstrated resilience in adapting to legislative changes, and we are optimistic that strong advocacy and collaborative initiatives among all who contribute to the success of WIOA—businesses; community- and faith-based based organizations; education and training providers; labor- and trade-unions; national, regional, and state industry associations; local, state, and county governments and WDBs; and WIOA Program Operators—will mobilize the 120th Congress to reauthorize WIOA as the ASWA, guaranteeing that the American workforce remains the strongest in the world.