Bill streamlines programs, makes it easier for job seekers to find work
(Washington DC – July 2014) On July 9, the House passed a bill to help streamline federal workforce programs in an effort to help the unemployed not only find work but find it faster.
It is the first major overhaul to federal workforce programs in nearly 16 years. Reform is urgently needed because although there were 4.6 million job openings at the end of May, hiring continues to lag. Over the past year, while openings have risen 16 percent, hiring has gone up by just 6 percent. There’s a mismatch between the skills possessed by unemployed Americans and the skills now required by employers, particularly those with in-demand jobs in math, science, and engineering. A recent study by Georgetown University indicated that the United States will be short by 11 million workers in the year 2022 because of the lack of postsecondary education or skills training.
To help fix this problem, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act makes numerous improvements to the Workforce Investment Act of 1998. U.S. Representative Richard Hanna voted in favor of the bill, which will modernize One-Stop Career Centers in the 22nd Congressional District to better serve New Yorkers.
There are job centers: in Binghamton, Cortland, Herkimer, Norwich, Oneida, Owego, Rome and Utica. Career centers throughout the nation help prepare job seekers to find work through job training services, counseling and labor market data. The centers help tailor services to regional unemployment and workforce needs, often through partnerships with local community colleges.
“Job centers are meant to help people find work and this bill ensures that remains the sole focus in the 21st century,” Hanna said. “This bill streamlines piles of different programs, eliminates overlap and establishes one checklist to measure the success – or failure – of federal programs. This bipartisan legislation finally makes important updates so Americans can find work where the jobs are today and into the future.”
The legislation was approved by a vote of 415 – 6. It was approved by the U.S. Senate on June 25 and now heads to the White House to be signed into law.
AMONG THE HIGHLIGHTS
The reform bill eliminates 15 programs.
It eliminates or merges several metrics that measure program performance.
Requires 75 percent of youth funding to support out-of-school youth, of which 20 percent is prioritized for work-based activities.
Sets high expectations for individuals with disabilities with respect to employment.
Provides youth with disabilities the services and supports necessary to be successful in competitive, integrated employment.
Allows the U.S. Department of Labor to provide technical assistance to Job Corps operators and centers to improve operations and outcomes.
ABOUT THE FUNDING
The reform bill provides stability for One-Stop Centers, offering funding for fiscal years 2015 through 2020.
Funding for all programs for Fiscal Year 2015 is set at funding levels from Fiscal Year 2014 and then increases the programs in line with the increases in the Budget Control Act (BCA) for the life of the bill.