America's public workforce system should work for all - especially those facing barriers to employment. The number of individuals experiencing barriers to getting and keeping a job is high and rising. With the right access to employment, education, training and support services, these job seekers can be America’s next generation of skilled workers. Without access to these opportunities large numbers of Americans will be disconnected from employment and unable to meet employer demands - contributing to the erosion of American families and communities and weakening American economic competitiveness. The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) was signed into law in 1998, authorizing funding and programs that make up our national public workforce system.
Recent Activity: Members of the House of Representatives released two different proposals aimed at reauthorizing the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) this year. The Workforce Investment Improvement Act of 2012 (HR4297) and the Workforce Investment Act of 2012 (HR4227).
The House Committee on Education and Workforce will mark up the bill on Thursday, June 7, 2012. The mark-up will further determine the priorities and goals of America's public workforce system and how well our system will take into account and serve the employment needs all job seekers - including those experiencing barriers to getting and keeping a job.
Take Action Now: Tell your member of Congress that you want a public workforce system that works for all for an economy that works for all. Here's how:
- Tie up the Capitol phone lines by calling your member of Congress. Dial:(202)224-3121. Here's a sample message: "Please tell Representative [insert Representative's name] that I believe America's workforce system should work for all. During the House mark-up of HR4297 please adopt a comprehensive definition of individuals with barriers to employment and include a definition of Transitional Jobs as an allowable use of training funds. Please remove the repeal of the priority of service requirement for employment and training services for low income individuals and the countless targeted employment and service programs that were repealed in the bill that benefit individuals in my community. Finally, please adopt a fair performance accountability system that takes into account individuals being served through the Workforce Investment Act."
- Go viral by tweeting your member of Congress. Here's a sample tweet: "A fair shot in America means access to employment for all through Transitional Jobs! #AmericaBack2Work"
National Transitional Jobs Network Resources:
Comparison of HR4297 and HR4227: Recommendations to House Education and Labor Committee
Reauthorization Recommendations for Title I of the Workforce Investment Act