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The US House of Representatives passed HR 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act, late yesterday with overwhelming bipartisan support.

The bill reflects compromises by both House Republicans and Democrats to reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which has not been reauthorized since its authorization expired in 2019.

While bipartisan policymaking is commendable, it does not always result in sound policy.

The National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), which represents the more than 590 local and state workforce boards responsible for implementing WIOA, is deeply disappointed that this legislation includes provisions that undermine local communities’ ability to develop workforce solutions that drive economic growth.

One concerning provision mandates that 50% of WIOA Title I Adult and Dislocated Worker funds be spent on training. While this may seem beneficial, the mandate’s narrow definition of training creates numerous unintended and harmful consequences.

• Impact on Small Businesses: Local workforce boards would be forced to redirect funds currently used to help tens of thousands of small businesses find and support the skilled talent they need.
• Reduction in Supportive Services: Funds for essential services like childcare and transportation—resources relied upon by hundreds of thousands of job seekers—would be significantly reduced, restricting access to employment or training opportunities.
• Erosion of Local Decision-Making: The mandate restricts local businesses, economic developers, elected officials, and community stakeholders from crafting workforce strategies tailored to their state and local needs.

Another troubling provision increases the amount of WIOA funds a Governor can retain at the state level for Critical Industry Skills initiatives, purportedly to encourage innovation. While NAWB supports fostering innovation, this provision raises statewide reservations of WIOA funding to 25% of all Title I formula resources.

When combined, these provisions would leave local communities with just a quarter of the WIOA formula funds they currently use to support job seekers and workforce development. Given WIOA’s long history of underfunding, this shift would have severe consequences for job seekers and employers nationwide.

NAWB has shared these concerns with House leaders and lawmakers, yet the vote advancing this legislation shows that more effort is needed to ensure policymakers understand the importance of a thoughtful WIOA reauthorization. Such reauthorization must balance the needs of all stakeholders served by these programs and systems.

As the focus now shifts to the Senate, NAWB will continue advocating for local communities to retain the flexibility to use WIOA funds in ways that best promote economic vitality for businesses of all sizes and their workforce.

Unfortunately, HR 6655 misses the mark.