Walberg Votes for Bipartisan Job Training Reform

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Walberg voted in favor of H.R. 803, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), a bipartisan, bicameral agreement to reform the nation's workforce development system and help workers gain the education and skills they need for today's economy. WIOA is a compromise with the Senate based on the House-passed Supporting Knowledge and Lifelong Skills (SKILLS) Act passed in March 2013. WIOA passed by a vote of 415-6 and now heads to the President for his signature.

"It's been more than 15 years since our job training programs were last updated, leaving many job-seekers to fight against a maze of ineffective programs and waste, instead of finding a job. This bipartisan legislation is a much needed step in providing workers and taxpayers the job training opportunities they need," said Rep. Walberg following the vote.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act will:

• Eliminate 15 duplicative programs

• Prevent the creation of costly new programs

• Provide local leaders enhanced flexibility over the use of federal funds to help ensure the needs of local communities are being served

• Require an independent evaluation of all workforce development programs and activities at least once every four years