[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 153 (Monday, September 25, 2017)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5888-S5889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 267--DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 2017 AS ``NATIONAL
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MONTH''
Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mr. Hatch, Ms. Baldwin, Mr. Enzi, Mr.
Barrasso, Mr. Blumenthal, Mr. Donnelly, Mr. Durbin, Ms. Harris, Mr.
Roberts, Mrs. Shaheen, Mr. Franken, Ms. Hassan, Ms. Hirono, and Mr.
Kaine) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary:
S. Res. 267
Whereas investment in the education and training of the
United States workforce is crucial to the ability of the
United States to compete in the global economy;
Whereas collaboration among local educational agencies,
community colleges, Governors, local governments, local
businesses, employment service providers, and workforce
development boards provides for long-term, sustainable, and
successful workforce development across traditional sectors
and emerging industries;
Whereas, as of September 2017, middle-skill jobs, which
require more than a high school diploma but not a 4-year
degree, comprise 53 percent of the labor market, but only 43
percent of United States workers are trained at that level,
creating a discrepancy that may limit growth in changing
industries such as health care, manufacturing, and
information technology;
Whereas, in 2014, Congress reauthorized the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) with
overwhelming bipartisan support in recognition of the need to
strengthen the focus of the United States on the skills
necessary to fill jobs in local and regional industries;
Whereas the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29
U.S.C. 3101 et seq.) supports employment, training, and
support services for individuals with barriers to employment,
including individuals--
(1) who are out of work;
(2) displaced by outsourcing;
(3) looking to learn new skills; and
(4) with disabilities;
Whereas the more than 550 workforce development boards and
2,500 American Job Centers are a driving force behind growing
regional economies by providing training, resources, and
assistance to workers who aim to compete in the 21st century
economy;
Whereas ongoing State and local implementation of the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et
seq.) provides unprecedented opportunities to develop the
skills of United States workers through access to effective
workforce education and training, including the development
and delivery of proven strategies such as sector
partnerships, career pathways, integrated education and
training, work-based learning models, and paid internships;
Whereas, in 2015, programs authorized under the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.)--
(1) served nearly 7,000,000 young people and adults;
(2) exceeded employment targets across all programs; and
(3) helped more than 1,500,000 individuals, including
English language learners, take classes to gain skills and
credentials to help the individuals succeed in the labor
market;
Whereas State programs established under the Wagner-Peyser
Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.)--
(1) served nearly 14,000,000 unemployed workers through
American Job Centers in 2015; and
(2) are an integral part of the workforce development
system;
Whereas workforce development programs will play a critical
role in addressing the expected 2,000,000 unfilled
manufacturing jobs over the next decade;
Whereas community colleges and other workforce development
training providers across the United States are well-
situated--
(1) to train the next generation of United States workers;
and
(2) to address the educational challenges created by
emerging industries and technological advancements;
Whereas participation in a career and technical education
(referred to in this preamble as ``CTE'') program decreases
the risk of students dropping out of high school, and all 50
States and the District of Columbia report higher graduation
rates for CTE students, as compared to other students;
Whereas community and technical colleges operate as open
access institutions serving millions of students annually at
a comparatively low cost;
Whereas the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education
Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2301 et seq.) supports the development
and implementation of high-quality CTE programs that--
(1) combine rigorous academic content with occupational
skills; and
(2) served 11,900,000 high school and college students from
2015 to 2016;
Whereas there are nearly 500,000 registered apprentices in
the United States, and there is growing and bipartisan
support for expanding earn-and-learn strategies to help
current and future workers gain skills and work experience;
Whereas federally supported workforce system and partner
programs--
(1) have helped the United States rebuild the economy and
provide increased economic opportunities; and
(2) provide a pathway into jobs that support families while
ensuring that United States businesses find the skilled
workforce needed to compete in the global economy; and
Whereas workforce development is crucial to sustaining
economic security for United States workers: Now, therefore,
be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates September 2017 as ``National Workforce
Development Month'';
(2) supports Federal initiatives to promote workforce
development; and
(3) acknowledges that workforce development plays a crucial
role in supporting workers and growing the economy.
Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce a resolution
to recognize September as Workforce Development Month.
As technological advances reshape traditional fields and fuel the
emergence of new industries, it is imperative that our workforce
development system remain agile and flexible in order to educate and
train the next generation of workers and those needing additional on-
the-job training skills to stay competitive.
In addition, it is vital that we recognize the importance of all
career pathways and professional development whether an individual
pursues a 4-year degree or seeks to further their education at a
community college, through an industry recognized certificate program,
or as an apprentice.
In an effort to face this challenge head on, Congress passed the
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act in 2014 with overwhelming
bipartisan support. WIOA was signed into law by President Obama and has
helped streamline the workforce development system while increasing and
strengthening partnerships between regional businesses, workforce
development boards, and educational institutions.
In fact, it is these partnerships that have proven to be key to
regional success at addressing the workforce needs of businesses. By
working together, local businesses and educators can ensure that not
only do businesses have access to the talent they need to grow but that
those seeking work can find it.
Nationwide, the more than 550 workforce development boards and 2,500
American Job Centers have become a driving force behind growing
regional economies by providing training, resources, and assistance to
workers aiming to compete in the 21st century economy.
These workforce development boards and American Job Centers work with
job seekers and employers across industries ranging from healthcare and
information technology to manufacturing and construction.
There are currently nearly half a million registered apprentices
across the country, including nearly fifty thousand in California
alone.
Bipartisan support for earn-and-learn approaches such as
apprenticeships and paid internships is critical for helping future
workers gain the skills and experience they need while being able to
provide for themselves and their families.
In recognition of workforce development month, Congress reaffirms its
support for a comprehensive approach to workforce development,
encourages partnerships between industry leaders and educators, and
emphasizes the importance of all career pathways in pursuit of economic
prosperity.
In closing, during this month it is essential that we acknowledge and
commend the professionals who work every day to make these efforts a
reality. America's workforce is the backbone of our economy and it is
the expertise, dedication, and knowledge of these professionals that
has helped develop such a robust system.
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Mr. President, I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this
resolution and encouraging the continued growth of our workforce
development system.
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