Election 2024: Initial Takeaways

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Here’s What We Know:

  • Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th President of the United States. In his previous term, the former President supported workforce development policies that emphasized employers’ roles and contributions to the workforce system.
  • Republicans have regained control of the U.S. Senate for the 119th Congress, which begins in January, but the final margin of control is still being sorted out.
  • The Senate Republican conference is expected to begin deliberations to elect a new Majority Leader in the next few weeks. Current frontrunners for this position are Senators John Thune (R-SD), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Rick Scott (R-FL).
  • As the party controlling the Senate, Republicans will serve as Chair of each Senate committee:
  • The Senate Health Education Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee will likely be led by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA).
  • The Senate Appropriations Committee will likely be chaired by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).
  • There will be many new U.S. Senators in the 119th Congress, including:
    • Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD)
    • Jim Banks (R-IN)
    • John Curtis (R-UT)
    • Jim Justice (R-WV)
    • Andy Kim (D-NJ)
    • Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio)
    • Pete Ricketts (R-NE)
    • Adam Schiff (D-CA)
    • Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE)
    • Tim Sheehy (R-MT)
  • Several races are still too close to call.
  • U.S. House races will take more time to be determined, so control of the House remains uncertain at this time.

Here’s What’s Next:

  • NAWB will share information as it becomes available on committee leadership, the final makeup of Congress, and prospects for workforce policy in the 119th Congress.
  • NAWB will advocate for a strong investment in workforce development in the new president’s budget, inaugural address, and Cabinet nominations. This includes reaching out to the White House Transition Team.
  • NAWB will host a special post-election Public Policy PowerUp for our members on Friday, Nov. 22, at 1pm EST.
  • NAWB is already planning Workforce Advocacy Day, which will take place immediately following The Forum in Washington DC.

Here’s What You Can Do:

  • Tell us about your connections to newly-elected (or re-elected) members of Congress or local officials. This will help us in planning our advocacy throughout the year. Email us at nawb@nawb.org
  • Plan to join us for Workforce Advocacy Day. This is the ideal opportunity to tell the powerful story of workforce development in your community and to build strong relationships with our elected officials in Washington.
  • Congratulate everyone in your community who ran for office, even if they didn’t win. This is a great way to acknowledge community leaders and build relationships with potential future leaders.

Your Voice Matters:

Every new member of Congress will come to Washington with a different level of knowledge about the workforce development system. It will be up to all of us to educate them about how the system serves their constituents and how Congress can bolster it.

NAWB is committed to providing the tools and resources needed to advocate effectively on these issues.

Election Day is Next Week: Here’s What We’re Watching

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Election Day is Next Week – Here’s What We’re Watching

The House of Representatives:

  • All 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, along with six non-voting Delegate positions, are up for grabs. With 45 House members not running for re-election and many competitive races, there will likely be significant turnover, leading to many new faces in Congress and possibly a reorganization of House committees.
  • The House is currently controlled by Republicans with a 220-212 margin over Democrats, while three seats are currently vacant. This balance of power will determine whether:
    • Rep. Mike Johnson (R-LA) continues as Speaker, or if
    • Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) takes the gavel if Democrats gain a majority.
  • Control of the House dictates leadership across its committees, as the majority party selects committee chairs and generally holds proportionate representation in each committee.
  • With Republicans in control, they currently lead all House committees. This would shift if Democrats gain a majority.
  • Committee chairs are chosen within each party, although membership distribution doesn’t always strictly follow the House’s overall composition.
  • Notably:
    • Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), who currently chairs the House Education and Workforce Committee, is term-limited from remaining Committee Chair. Likely successors include:
      • Rep. Tim Walberg (R-MI)
      • Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT)
  • Additionally, re-elected members may switch committees to pursue seats on prestigious committees like Appropriations, Ways & Means, and Commerce, which could significantly alter committee compositions.
  • The upcoming changes in committee leadership, membership, and potentially the overall House majority could reshape legislative priorities in 2025, especially in areas like workforce development, currently overseen by the House Education and Workforce Committee. This turnover and restructuring could have a lasting impact on policy-making and committee focus within the House.

The Senate:

  • One-third of the U.S. Senate seats will be contested, with eight Senators deciding not to run for re-election.
  • The Senate is currently controlled by the Democrats, holding a narrow majority with 47 seats, alongside four Independents who typically vote with them, compared to the Republicans’ 49 seats.
  • If Democrats retain control:
  • Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) is expected to continue as Majority Leader.
  • If Republicans gain more seats than Democrats:
  • They will select a new Majority Leader to set the Senate’s agenda.
  • In the event of a 50-50 split, the newly elected Vice President would cast the deciding vote and determine Senate control.
  • Control over the Senate also dictates the leadership and composition of its committees:
  • Democrats currently chair all Senate committees. A shift in majority would hand Republicans control of committee leadership.
  • Committee membership is usually distributed to reflect the Senate’s overall makeup. For example, if one party holds 55% of the Senate seats, they would fill around 55% of each committee’s seats.
  • The outcome of the Senate race will not only affect the leadership and legislative direction of the upper chamber but also the committee dynamics that play a vital role in shaping, reviewing, and advancing legislation across a wide array of policy areas.

What does this all mean?

We will be closely watching on Election Day to see:

  • Which party will control each chamber.
  • Which incumbents are re-elected or replaced.
  • Which members have a chance to become committee chairs.

As in previous years, election results may not be known for days or weeks, and some close races could result in a recount or a run-off election. We will report our findings in:

  • Weekly NAWB News
  • Policy Alert emails
  • During our next Public Policy PowerUp on Friday, Nov. 22.
    • At this event (free and exclusively for NAWB members), we will do a deep dive into what the 119th Congress is shaping up to look like—and what policies are likely to be pursued—when the new Congress is sworn into office on Jan. 7, 2025.

Make Your Voice Heard!

With less than a week left until Election Day 2024, use [this resource] to check the rules in your state regarding:

  • Registration
  • Mail ballots
  • Early voting

Make a plan to vote to ensure your voice is heard!

Workforce Development Month Recap

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Workforce Development Month 2024 was an exciting time for NAWB and our members. Here are some highlights:

Throughout the Month:

We highlighted testimonials from The Forum 2024, facilitated by Equus. Workforce leaders
shared their thoughts on the importance of workforce development and its significance in our economy. Our goal was to spark conversations about workforce boards, the work they do, and the unique ways they serve their communities.

Week Two:

We emphasized advocacy efforts, showcasing the initiatives of NAWB member EmployIndy at local, state, and federal levels. Our new Advocacy Toolkit was reintroduced to empower you in advocating for your workforce development board and the broader system. Additionally, NAWB President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little, engaged in discussions on two podcasts, offering insights about the workforce development landscape and promoting the .

Week Three:

We focused on NAWB’s role in supporting your efforts, featuring inspiring success stories, including the story of Elkanah from Workforce Solutions Dallas, who transitioned from homelessness to gainful employment and stable housing. Be sure to check out our collection of success stories, showcasing our members’ impact on their communities.

Final Week:

In the last week of Workforce Development Month, we turned our attention to partnerships between workforce development boards and local businesses. This was highlighted by a video from the Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity, who discussed the importance of vision planning and collaboration in workforce development.

 

Workforce Development Month illuminated the impactful contributions of the workforce development community. We take pride in the advocacy efforts led by our members and the inspiring success stories that reflect the transformative potential of our collective work. We look forward to continuing this momentum and further strengthening our workforce development initiatives together.

Looking for more resources and stories?

Check out our podcast, Workforce Central, where Brad Turner-Little interviews local leaders in workforce development, education, business, and economic development.

E06: Workforce Solutions from the Border: El Paso’s Workforce Innovation Playbook

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In this episode, NAWB President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little, is joined by Leila Melendez, CEO of Workforce Solutions Borderplex, in El Paso, Texas. Leila shares her organization’s innovative approach to adapting national workforce mandates to meet local needs in the diverse Borderplex region. She discusses creative initiatives like NextForce, HerForce, and CareForce, which are designed to engage different workforce segments more effectively. Leila also highlights the importance of strong community partnerships in providing accessible and comprehensive services, including their successful program for transitioning military personnel.

The National Association of Workforce Boards Announces Incoming Board of Directors

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Consisting of 24 workforce industry leaders who will guide NAWB through the coming year, this announcement was made today during NAWB’s Annual Member Meeting.

NAWB President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little said,

“Having leaders from local, state, and national perspectives guiding our work here at NAWB is essential for our success in supporting local and state workforce development boards… I’m excited for this new cohort of directors to join the existing Board as they bring important local perspectives and experience to inform our strategic direction.”

Lisanne McNew, Chair of NAWB’s Board of Directors said,

“Amid challenging times, workforce development boards nationwide have continued their vital mission: helping job seekers gain new skills and find employment while connecting employers with qualified talent… We are inspired by the opportunity to support these boards via NAWB as they identify the skills needed for success in the evolving economy, leverage all available resources to expand access to education and training, and implement strategies that drive measurable outcomes and foster sustainable growth in the workforce system.”

Joining Chair McNew as Board officers are:

  • Vice Chair: Kathy Jewett
  • Past Chair: Jennifer Harris
  • Treasurer: Al Searles
  • Secretary: Melanie Flowers

Returning to the Board are:

  • Lewis Brown
  • Jaime Cruz
  • Karolyn Ellingson
  • Antwanye Ford
  • Jeffrey Frederick
  • Debra Giordano
  • Mark Guthrie
  • Kyla Guyette
  • Ryan Hundt
  • Lee Lambert
  • Randy Miller
  • Walter Simmons
  • Jennifer Wilson

New Board members include:

  • Carol Hylton, President & CEO, CareerSource Broward
  • Jesse McCree, CEO, SCPa Works

Additionally, McNew has appointed the following for one-year special purpose directorships:

  • Kevin Doyle, Wexford Strategies
  • Brian Holland, Sectigo
  • John Kutch, Trinity Health
  • Todd Nielsen, Colorado Urban Workforce Alliance

The new term will begin on Oct. 1, and the new members will be sworn in at the fall Board of Directors meeting on Oct. 17.

NAWB Board Chair Submits Testimony to House Small Business Committee Subcommittee on Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development

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Official Testimony

My name is Lisanne McNew, and I am the owner and CEO of SAFE Engineering in Monument, Colorado. Additionally, I serve as the Board Chair of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), Immediate Past Chair of the Colorado Workforce Development Council, and Past Board Chair of the Pikes Peak Workforce Development Board in Colorado Springs.

I appreciate the opportunity to testify today about the vital role of small businesses in workforce development and the support provided by workforce boards.

In Colorado, the Pikes Peak Workforce Development Board and our Workforce Center connect businesses with work-ready job seekers and employer-driven services. We assist residents of El Paso and Teller Counties in navigating career transitions—whether they are unemployed, underemployed, or facing other barriers. Our clients range from entry-level to professional, including youth, adults, returning workers, and those overcoming employment challenges. We offer job search and training opportunities, including 20 free job seeker workshops annually, as well as the largest virtual and in-person job fairs in Southern Colorado.

I’d like to share a few key initiatives that highlight our collaboration in small business development:

  • Incumbent Worker Training (IWT): We actively engage with Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) to promote our programs, including the popular IWT (Employee Development Fund). Recently, five childcare businesses collaborated with an SBDC to apply for IWT grants, resulting in three businesses receiving $15,157 to upskill 38 employees—crucial for sustaining our local childcare workforce. With more resources, workforce boards could expand these efforts significantly.
  • Veterans: We participate in the SBDC’s Veterans Conference to assist veteran-owned businesses in attracting and retaining talent. We provide guidance on skills-based hiring, job descriptions, and other support to help them grow. Our Workforce Development Board is proud of this commitment.
  • Cybersecurity: As cybersecurity becomes increasingly critical for business success, we connect small businesses with high-quality training and resources. We are developing specific training on cybersecurity best practices for small businesses and regularly participate in cybersecurity initiatives to link workers with employers in this vital sector.

The potential for greater integration between workforce boards and small businesses is significant. Earlier this year, NAWB and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) signed a Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) to enhance collaboration and resource access.

The SBA is an ideal partner for NAWB, representing nearly 600 Workforce Development Boards that collaborate with education and economic development stakeholders to deliver regional workforce programs tailored to job seekers, businesses, and communities. Workforce boards manage over 2,300 American Job Centers and partner with various organizations to serve both businesses and job seekers effectively.

By providing SBA-sponsored assistance through its resource partners, we can better address the challenges of training and support services for small businesses, increasing awareness of available resources.

I hope my testimony illustrates the opportunities for workforce boards to bolster small businesses. Thank you for allowing me to share these insights with the Subcommittee.

Bi-Partisan House Resolution Supporting September 2024 as “National Workforce Development Month” Introduced

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A bipartisan group of House members introduced House Resolution 1453

Reps. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Brett Guthrie (R-KY), Glenn (GT) Thompson (R-PA), and Lucy McBath (D-GA), introduced the resolution which recognizes the vital role of workforce development in supporting jobseekers, businesses, and local economies. The resolution designates September 2024 as National Workforce Development Month.

Brad Turner-Little, President and CEO of NAWB stated,

“We are thrilled to see a bipartisan group of members of Congress taking action to recognize the vital economic role of workforce development… It is heartening to see the collaboration, often led by workforce development boards, receive this kind of recognition from Congress.”

 

The resolution specifically highlights that collaboration among multiple stakeholders—including state and local governments, workforce development boards, governors, state and local education and human services agencies, community colleges, local businesses, employment service providers, and community-based organizations—is essential for long-term, sustainable, and successful workforce development across traditional sectors and emerging industries.

The resolution also stresses the critical need for increased investment in workforce development, noting the following statistics:

  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in July 2024 that there are approximately 8.2 million unfilled jobs in the U.S., which negatively impacts corporate productivity, reduces the local tax base, and hinders global competitiveness.
  • 76% of business leaders say that greater support for skills development would help their businesses.
  • As of August 2024, in the U.S., there are:
    • 7.1 million unemployed individuals.
    • Unemployment rates for Black and Hispanic adults are significantly higher than for White adults.
    • Workers without postsecondary education and skills development are more likely to be unemployed.
  • The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) supports employment, skills development, and support services for approximately 2.9 million individuals with barriers to employment, including:
    • Low-income individuals.
    • Long-term unemployed individuals.
    • Individuals displaced by outsourcing.
    • Individuals living in rural or persistently high unemployment areas.
    • Individuals looking to acquire new skills.
    • Individuals with disabilities.

The more than 550 workforce development boards and 2,400 American Job Centers are a driving force behind regional economic growth by providing resources and assistance to workers striving to compete in the 21st-century economy.

Read the full resolution here.

ACT NOW:

Contact your member of the House of Representatives (find them online or dial the House switchboard at 202-225-3121 and ask to be connected to your representative). Ask them to cosponsor House Resolution 1453 to recognize September 2024 as National Workforce Development Month.

Workforce Development Month 2024: EmployIndy’s Site Visit Success

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Celebrating Workforce Development Month and EmployIndy’s Advocacy Efforts

Every September, we celebrate Workforce Development Month to recognize, honor, and publicize the contributions of our nation’s workforce development professionals. Throughout the year, we’ve received countless messages, writeups, and articles about your work and the success of your organizations. We are proud to share these as a testament to the innovative and life-changing work being done by our nation’s workforce development boards.

EmployIndy has done exceptional advocacy work over the past year, from local to state to federal levels. They have been a forerunner in advocacy, using all available tools and leaning on NAWB whenever we can offer assistance. We are thrilled to have such passionate and consistent members advocating on behalf of the workforce system and are proud to have been a supportive partner in these efforts.

“NAWB’s advocacy resources have been especially useful as we’ve engaged with our representation. They’ve been invaluable in quickly finding up-to-date information on federal policies and legislation, identifying areas of impact for our local area, and prioritizing which talking points and narratives to share with our congressional delegation. It has definitely helped hone our messaging!”
— Kevin Duffy, Senior Director, External Affairs, EmployIndy

Here are some of the actions that EmployIndy has taken to advocate for their needs and the broader workforce system:

Local Level

EmployIndy conducted their first Lunch and Learn for Indianapolis City-County Council members in July, offering crucial localized labor market information, sharing updates on city-funded programs, and providing a tour of their comprehensive American Job Center (AJC). They plan to conduct more Lunch and Learns with city council members in the future.

State-Wide

EmployIndy began bipartisan outreach to their local state legislature delegation, hosting two site visits with State Representatives Julie McGuire (R) and Carey Hamilton (D). Both visits were scheduled during Wednesdays at WorkOne, a weekly hiring event that brings over 20 employers and hundreds of jobseekers to the AJC.

In partnership with the Indiana Workforce Board Alliance (INWBA), EmployIndy also participated in INWBA Day at the Statehouse during the legislative session this past spring. This event sparked conversations leading to state legislature site visits. Future endeavors include outreach to the State Senate and House Education Committees for a Lunch and Learn at their AJC.

Federal Level

EmployIndy continues to engage with their congressional delegation to advocate for workforce development priorities, including Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) reauthorization, Department of Labor (DOL) Apprenticeship rulemaking, and agency appropriations.

They also hosted two separate site visits for congressional staff:

  • Jason Johnson from Senator Mike Braun’s office visited the AJC for a discussion and presentation on the workforce system. Other representatives from INWBA joined the meeting to share perspectives from across the state. This visit not only advocated for the workforce system at the federal level but also set the stage for potential future collaborations at the state level.
  • Andrew Murray from Senator Todd Young’s office toured the AJC to learn about EmployIndy’s services, including highlights from federal investments like the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors Act and the American Rescue Plan. They also connected Andrew with one of their adult education partners, Warren Township Adult Education, for a concurrent visit and discussion on the role of adult education in workforce development.

Interested in hosting your own site visit? Download Hosting a Congressional Site Visit for tips.