Support the Democratic Alternative: HR 798 - The Workforce Investment Act of 2013

by Press Staff

Focused on finding workers jobs and careers through strategic partnerships with in-demand sector employers, community colleges, labor organizations, and non-profits, the Democratic alternative (HR 798) will improve the nation’s workforce investment infrastructure by

  • Streamlining and improving coordination among training programs and supportive services by requiring integrated planning by state and local governments.
  • Recognizing and expanding the central role community colleges play in job training by authorizing President Obama’s $8 billion Community College Fund. This will allow community colleges to provide specialized group training services and offer recognized credentials for employers who are looking to hire many workers with a particular skill.
  • Improving access to education and training for individuals, especially for hard-to-service populations by making clear that anyone can immediately receive training without having to first go through core and intensive services and prioritize employment and training services for individuals with barriers to employment.
  • Expanding access to postsecondary education and credentials by supporting integrated education and training for adult learners to achieve and maintain economic self-sufficiency.
  • Ensuring that more individuals receive training by calling on states to designate a portion of funding specifically for training. Also authorizes separate funding for infrastructure spending so all of other funds would be dedicated solely for worker and employer services.
  • Strengthening stakeholder engagement by requiring state and local workforce boards to ensure that not less than 20 percent of partner members representing workers and community-based organizations like the labor unions, community colleges, and non-profit organizations.
  • Expanding the use of on-the-job training, incumbent worker training, transitional jobs, registered apprenticeships and other paid work experiences to get workers employed quickly.
  • Encouraging multiple education and training pathways and employment for underemployed low-income youth by expanding access to work experience programs, including summer employment, internships, and pre-apprenticeship programs. 
  • Establishing common reporting and performance measures across all programs so workers and employers can make informed decisions about which programs meet their needs.
  • Creating Innovation Funds to deliver services in high-poverty communities and expand the use of promising strategies for adults and youth.
  • Increasing competitive integrated employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities by expanding services for supported and customized employment as well as requiring states to provide pre-employment transition services for youth with disabilities.