[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 155 (Tuesday, September 18, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6231-S6232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SENATE RESOLUTION 632--DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 2018 AS ``NATIONAL
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT MONTH''
Mrs. FEINSTEIN (for herself, Mr. Hatch, Ms. Baldwin, and Mr. Enzi)
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee
on the Judiciary:
S. Res. 632
Whereas investment in the education, training, and career
advancement of the workforce in the United States, known as
``workforce development'', is crucial to the ability of the
United States to compete in the global economy;
Whereas collaboration among Governors, local governments,
State and local education, workforce, and human services
agencies, community colleges, local businesses, employment
service providers, community-based organizations, and
workforce development boards provides for long-term,
sustainable, and successful workforce development across
traditional sectors and emerging industries;
Whereas 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 workers in the
United States 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--
(1) individuals who are low-income;
(2) individuals who are out of work;
(3) individuals displaced by outsourcing;
(4) individuals looking to learn new skills; and
(5) individuals 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 workers in the United States 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 2016, programs authorized under the Workforce
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3101 et seq.)--
(1) served more than 7,000,000 young people and adults;
(2) exceeded employment targets across all programs; and
[[Page S6232]]
(3) helped more than 1,300,000 individuals, including
English language learners, 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) ensured that more than 5,400,000 unemployed workers,
including more than 800,000 veterans, had access to career
services through American Job Centers in 2016; and
(2) are a foundational 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 workers in the United
States; 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 approximately 11,000,000 high school and college
students from 2016 to 2017;
Whereas there are more than 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 the federally supported workforce system and
partner programs--
(1) have helped rebuild the economy of the United States
and provide increased economic opportunities; and
(2) provide a pathway into jobs that support families while
ensuring that businesses in the United States find the
skilled workforce needed to compete in the global economy;
and
Whereas workforce development is crucial to sustaining
economic security for workers in the United States: Now,
therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate--
(1) designates September 2018 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.'' I thank
Senators Hatch, Enzi, and Baldwin for supporting this bipartisan
resolution.
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 four 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 (WIOA) 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.
And more recently, Congress passed the Strengthening Career and
Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, which was later signed
into law by President Trump. This law aims to increase collaboration
between high schools, community colleges, and workforce development
programs. In addition, this law supports work-based learning
opportunities, provides industry-recognized credentials, and increases
federal funding for CTE programs.
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 over half a million registered apprentices across
the country, including nearly eighty-six 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.
Mr. President, I hope this resolution will promptly pass the Senate.
I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this resolution to
ensure its passage and encouraging the continued growth of our
workforce development system. Thank you. I yield the floor.
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