Member PortalTune in for another episode of Workforce Central, as NAWB President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little speaks with Anthony Featherstone, the new Executive Director of WorkSource Montgomery, about workforce development initiatives in Montgomery County, Maryland. They discuss the county’s diverse demographics, major industries, and workforce challenges. Anthony also shares details about the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future legislation and WorkSource Montgomery’s innovative MoCo CAP program, which provides innovative career counseling for 6th-12th graders in partnership with local schools. He also highlights the board’s community workforce network and mobile job center aimed at expanding access to workforce services. Discover the importance of community engagement, listening to feedback, and building relationships to effectively navigate future workforce challenges.
NAWB Feedback to Senate on WIOA Reauthorization Discussion Draft
NAWB Feedback to Senate on WIOA Reauthorization Discussion
NAWB is pleased to share our feedback on the Senate discussion draft to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). As noted on the NAWB Blog, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee released a discussion draft and opened a process for collecting feedback prior to a formal bill introduction.
All feedback is due to the Senate HELP Committee in a specific format by 5 p.m. ET on Friday, July 5, 2024. NAWB members are encouraged to participate in this process, either reinforcing the messages below or providing their own feedback.
NAWB worked closely with members and partners, including organizations focused on the needs of local communities, convened NAWB members through a Public Policy PowerUp (formerly known as Policy, Coffee and Conversation), and collaborated with the Campaign to Invest in America’s Workforce coalition to gather feedback and develop strategies for engagement.
Concerns with Key Provisions
- Redesignation of Workforce Development Areas Must Be Based on Local Needs, Result in Improved Outcomes, and Ensure Service Delivery (sec. 115; p. 23-30)
- Local workforce systems exist to address unique community needs. Redesignation of local workforce areas should only occur if it leads to improved outcomes for WIOA participants. Strong quality assurances are necessary to prevent inequitable service delivery for underserved populations and ensure adequate support in rural areas and for small and medium-sized employers.
- Feedback: NAWB recommends that redesignation only occur with consent from local workforce leaders and that the process ensure improved outcomes and service delivery.
- State Single Area Designations Are an Extraordinary Step that Should Not Be Taken Lightly (sec. 115; p. 33-35)
- The draft would allow 25 states to adopt a single statewide designation, potentially eliminating critical local workforce infrastructure.
- Feedback: NAWB recommends state legislatures have a greater role in these determinations, lowering the population threshold for consideration, reducing the number of local areas required for eligibility, and shortening the timeline for reconstitution if efforts are ineffective.
- Requiring Six New Standing Committees Will Divert Staff Time and Resources (sec. 116; p.36-37)
- Proposed standing committees would divert resources from essential services to administrative tasks. This burden is compounded by provisions that allow states to reserve WIOA funds beyond local areas, further reducing capacity for local boards to manage the proposed requirements.
- Feedback: NAWB recommends standing committees remain optional, allowing local boards to prioritize community needs.
- Local Workforce Boards Must Retain Optimum Policymaking Authority (sec. 116; p. 42)
- Current law requires local board members to have “optimum policymaking authority” within their organizations. The draft proposes eliminating this requirement.
- Feedback: NAWB recommends retaining this provision to ensure effective implementation of decisions.
- Establish One-Stop Delivery Systems Where Appropriate (sec. 121; p. 87)
- Flexibility is essential for local boards to establish one-stop operators based on community needs.
- Feedback: NAWB recommends empowering local boards to serve as one-stop operators when conditions are met.
- A 25% Set-Aside Diverts Resources from Local Communities (sec. 132; p. 138)
- The draft would allow governors to reserve an additional 10% of WIOA funding for statewide initiatives, which could reduce local resources.
- Feedback: NAWB recommends alternative funding mechanisms to avoid shortchanging local communities.
- Clarify the Use of Funds for Youth Workforce Experience Activities (sec. 133; p. 155)
- Proposed changes to youth funding requirements are overly prescriptive and could disincentivize employer participation.
- Feedback: NAWB recommends reducing these requirements to maximize flexibility and increase employer engagement.
- Funding the Workforce System Maximizes Local Economic Vitality (sec. 149; p. 234-235)
- Decades of funding erosion for core WIOA programs have diminished the public workforce system’s ability to meet emerging needs.
- Feedback: NAWB recommends significantly increasing authorized funding over the next five years to signal the importance of greater investment.
Breaking News: Senate Releases WIOA Reauthorization Discussion Draft
Senate Releases WIOA Reauthorization Discussion Draft
The Senate has released a discussion draft of a bill to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This draft is intended to gather feedback before finalizing the bill, and NAWB plans to actively engage in the process.
NAWB participated in a Senate committee staff briefing and conducted an initial review of the legislative text. Below are key takeaways:
Topline Takeaways from the Discussion Draft
- No Training Mandate
- The draft does not include a mandatory training expenditure, a significant improvement over the House-passed proposal, which mandated 50% of Title I Adult and Dislocated Worker funds to be allocated for training. NAWB is highly supportive of this approach.
- Re-designation of Local Workforce Development Areas (LWDAs)
- The proposal increases flexibility for state governors to consolidate or restructure LWDAs, going further than the House version in enabling these changes. NAWB is increasingly concerned about the potential implications of this provision.
- Statewide Funding Reservations
- Similar to the House proposal, the Senate draft allows states to reserve an additional 10% of WIOA Title I funding for statewide initiatives. However, it is more prescriptive, requiring these funds to support Industry/Sector Partnership efforts or employer-based training. NAWB remains apprehensive, as this reduces funding available for local communities to address their priorities.
- Funding Levels
- The draft does not specify authorized funding levels, instead using broad “such sums as may be necessary” language. This grants appropriations leaders greater discretion in determining WIOA funding. Additionally, the draft introduces a new funding stream using H-1B visa fees to support Individual Training Accounts. NAWB continues to emphasize the need for robust funding to ensure the public workforce system can meet current and emerging needs.
NAWB will continue to elevate these concerns and collaborate with Congress to advocate for a strong, well-funded workforce development system.
Top 10 Takeaways from the Senate HELP Committee Hearing
Top 10 Takeaways from the Senate HELP Committee Hearing
On Wednesday, June 12, the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee held a hearing on Capitol Hill regarding the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
1. Senators Are Eager to Reauthorize—and Amend—WIOA
While no comprehensive WIOA bill has yet been unveiled in the Senate, several “placeholder” bills have been introduced, including:
- An increase in the percentage of funds available to Governors for statewide youth workforce investment activities.
- Changes to the law’s performance accountability system.
- Strengthening reporting requirements.
Takeaway: Workforce development boards need to effectively tell their story to lawmakers.
2. Justice-Involved Individuals Need More Support
Chairman Bernie Sanders (I-VT) emphasized addressing re-entry efforts for justice-involved individuals. He argued that rates of recidivism could be lower with the right supportive services and availability of quality training programs authorized by WIOA.
Question: Has your Workforce Development Board worked with justice-involved populations/systems? If so, please tell us more.
3. Will There Be a Training Mandate? And if So, How Will It Be Structured and Defined?
While a training mandate was not referenced specifically, Ranking Member Bill Cassidy (R-LA) argued that a greater share of WIOA funding should be going to training. He cited eight million job openings, low labor force participation rates, and only 200,000 individuals completing training each year.
Takeaway: Workforce development boards need to demonstrate and quantify their impact, including how and in what ways local boards help meet the unique needs of their communities.
Bonus Takeaway: Sen. Cassidy asked one witness, “Is it true that once you figure out one [workforce] board, you’ve figured out all boards?” The answer: Workforce boards are uniquely designed based on local needs of businesses and jobseekers.
4. WIOA Is Significantly Underfunded
Witness Lisa Bly-Jones, CEO of the Chicago Jobs Coalition (CJC), testified that WIOA funding is not commensurate with need. NAWB has called for at least a 5% increase to meet growing demands.
Takeaway: How well do we calculate and communicate the needs in our communities? What specifically would your Workforce Development Board be able to do if WIOA funding increased?
5. Wrap-Around Services Are Essential
The hearing highlighted the importance of services like transportation, childcare, uniforms, and addressing mental health, trauma, substance abuse, and homelessness. Witnesses emphasized that “getting the job” is less critical than “keeping the job.”
6. Automation Is Here… How Will It Affect Workforce Development Board Operations?
Chairman Sanders noted that automation could put 39 million jobs at risk by 2030. Workforce Development Boards must adapt to these changes and explore how AI can improve operations.
Question: Is your Workforce Development Board discussing this?
7. We Need Better Data… And You Can Help
Improved state and local data infrastructure, along with better access to wage data, are needed.
Takeaway: NAWB will launch a series of surveys—please complete them to help accurately reflect the work of Workforce Development Boards.
8. Senators Are Proud of Opportunity Youth Programs
The hearing highlighted the more than 1.1 million young people who are neither working nor in school, with senators praising programs like YouthBuild.
Takeaway: Communicate how your board works with programs focused on Opportunity Youth populations.
9. Utah’s Unique Workforce System: Will This Expand?
Sen. Mitt Romney (R-UT) discussed Utah’s 1997 workforce model, combining workforce and social assistance into a block grant. Republicans are considering waivers to allow other states to adopt similar models.
Takeaway: Advocate at the state level about your Workforce Development Board’s role.
10. Advocacy Is Essential
Next week, NAWB Board members will meet with Congress in Washington DC.
What Steps Are You Taking to Advocate? Join NAWB every fourth Friday for Policy Coffee and Conversation.
E02: Overcoming Barriers and Defining Workforce Development: Insights from Coconino County
In this episode of Workforce Central, Brad Turner-Little, President and CEO of NAWB, is joined by Billy Francis, Executive Director of the Coconino County Workforce Development Board in Flagstaff, Arizona. They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of workforce development in rural Coconino County, which has a large landmass and significant Native American population. Billy shares his experience coming in as a new Executive Director and undertaking a year of discovery to assess the workforce ecosystem, leading to transformative changes such as implementing a virtual referral system and rebranding the board’s message. Discover the importance of building relationships with partners like community colleges, overcoming barriers, and championing workforce development in the community.
NAWB Provides Testimony to Senate Appropriations Subcommittee
NAWB Testifies for a 5% Funding Increase for WIOA Title I Programs. Read the full testimony below:
Introduction
My name is Brad Turner-Little, and I am privileged to serve as the President and CEO of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). We represent the nation’s nearly 600 Workforce Development Boards, which coordinate with education and economic development stakeholders to administer regional workforce programs to meet the needs of jobseekers, employers, and their communities.
I appreciate the opportunity to submit this testimony in support of an increased federal investment in the primary Title I formula programs authorized by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), including Adult and Dislocated Worker Employment and Training, and Youth Employment Activities.
Proposed Investment
Specifically, we encourage the subcommittee to invest at least $3.08 billion collectively for these three WIOA programs as part of the FY2025 Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill. This represents a 5% increase over current levels of investment.
The Workforce Development Challenge
- There are approximately 6.5 million jobseekers in America.
- Businesses are struggling to fill 8.5 million jobs.
- Local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) are the key to connecting these populations.
Role of Workforce Development Boards (WDBs)
- Conveners and Collaborators: WDBs coordinate with federal, state, and local stakeholders to support economic expansion and workforce talent development.
- Community Anchors: WDBs manage over 2,000 American Job Centers that deliver direct services to workers and employers.
- Customized Solutions: WDBs design training programs tailored to local needs, providing skills to underemployed workers and creating partnerships with employers to address workforce challenges.
- Proven Results: In the most recent program year, core WIOA programs served three million individuals, with over 70% finding employment after receiving services.
Addressing Emerging Trends
Workforce Development Boards must respond to major trends like:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation.
- Upskilling and retraining workers to adapt to technological advancements.
Recent Senate initiatives on AI underscore the importance of workforce retraining and preparation, aligning perfectly with WIOA’s mission.
The Case for Increased Funding
- Core Title I WIOA program funding has steadily eroded over decades.
- Real-world impact:
- Kansas: A 46% funding decrease over the last 10–12 years.
- Mobile, Alabama: A 40% funding cut in the last five years limits critical services like On-the-Job Training and youth programs.
The Need for Action
NAWB calls on Congress to invest at least $3.08 billion for WIOA programs in FY2025. This is an essential first step toward closing the growing funding gap, ensuring jobseekers can access training, and employers can find skilled workers to remain competitive.
Conclusion
Increasing WIOA funding is a win-win for workers and businesses alike, boosting economic growth and addressing the nation’s labor force challenges.
Final Appeal
NAWB urges the Subcommittee to support this critical investment in America’s workforce and labor market. Thank you for the opportunity to share this testimony.
E01: Adapting to the Future of Work: Insights from Pikes Peak Workforce Center
Welcome back to an all-new edition of Workforce Central! In this episode, NAWB President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little, talks with Executive Director and CEO of Pikes Peak Workforce Center, Traci Marques. They discuss the vital role that workforce boards play in connecting businesses with job seekers and fostering economic vitality in their communities. Traci shares insights on how her organization serves the diverse needs of urban and rural areas, collaborates with economic development entities, supports small businesses, and helps military veterans transition into the civilian workforce. She also touches on exciting developments on the horizon, such as the integration of artificial intelligence to enhance the efficiency and impact of workforce boards.
NAWB Provides Testimony to House Subcommittee
NAWB gave testimony in support of a 5% funding increase for core Title I WIOA programs to the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Subcommittee. Read the full text below
My name is Brad Turner-Little and I am privileged to serve as the CEO of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB). We represent the nation’s nearly 600 Workforce Development Boards, which coordinate with education and economic development stakeholders to administer regional workforce programs to meet the needs of jobseekers, employers, and the wider communities that they serve. I appreciate the opportunity to submit this testimony in support of an increased federal investment in the primary Title I formula programs authorized by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), including Adult and Dislocated Worker Employment and Training; and Youth Employment Activities.
Specifically, we encourage the subcommittee to invest at least $3.08 billion, collectively, for these three WIOA programs as part of the FY2025 Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill, a roughly five percent increase over current levels of investment.
Right now, there are approximately 6.4 million jobseekers in America. And there are an estimated 8.7 million jobs that businesses are struggling to fill. How do these two populations find each other? In many cases, it is a local Workforce Development Board.
Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) preside over more than 2,000 American Job Center locations throughout the nation. In the most recent program year, core WIOA programs served nearly 3 million individuals across the nation, many with the most significant challenges to finding and obtaining family-sustaining employment. Over 70 percent of all individuals served during this time period were employed after receiving critical career and training services. These same individuals earned more than 100,000 credentials of value.
Increasing the investment in WIOA remains a critical way for Congress to ensure that employers have the skilled talent they need to be successful while also supporting some of our most vulnerable and underserved populations in participating within the labor market. This is especially important as the national labor force participation rate has yet to rebound to pre-pandemic levels and as tight labor conditions persist across the nation. There may not be a more vital investment Congress can make than WIOA in terms of boosting our economy by matching skilled workers with businesses that are hiring, especially for in-demand sectors of our shared economy. Unfortunately, funding for core Title I WIOA programs has eroded steadily over the past several decades. Without an increased investment for these programs, both jobseekers and businesses will face greater difficulty in training and hiring skilled workers. For example, as pointed out by one of our local WDB members in Kansas, funding from WIOA has fallen by 46% in the last 10-12 years, in real dollar terms not accounting for the impacts of inflation. NAWB therefore urges you to provide at least $3.08 billion for core Title I WIOA programs in FY25 which we believe would be an important first step and downpayment toward closing this funding gap that has grown considerably over time. Our nation’s investments in workforce development help to create a comprehensive system capable of producing a highly skilled workforce that can compete in the global economy. Robust funding for WIOA is essential to helping more individuals find and secure family-sustaining employment.
Simply put, WDBs perform an indispensable function, reskilling and upskilling workers, matching workers and employers within local economies, and ultimately providing pathways to meaningful careers. Yet, WDBs need more robust resources to achieve these objectives.
I once again thank you for allowing me to provide this testimony to the Subcommittee.