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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.