On December 8, two bills were introduced in the House to reauthorize the nation’s Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The first bill, introduced by Representative Virginia Foxx (R-NC), chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training, introduced the Streamlining Workforce Development Programs Act (H.R. 3610), would consolidate 33 of the 47 federal job training programs. The bill would also utilize common performance measures across all employment and training programs; allow governors to determine workforce areas; and allow states to submit one statewide workforce development plan. The second bill, the Local Job Opportunities and Business Success Act (Local JOBS Act, H.R. 3611) was introduced by Representative Joe Heck (R-NV), and is aimed at strengthening the role of businesses in the workforce system and reduce red tape on local workforce boards. Specifically, the bill would require a two-thirds majority of board members represent business and eliminate several mandates regarding local board composition. Additionally, earlier this year, Representative Buck McKeon (R-CA) introduced the Workforce Investment Improvement Act (H.R. 2295) to increase training flexibility. H.R. 3610 and H.R. 3611 supplement the former Chairman’s legislation.

Links: H.R.3610, H.R.3611, H.R.2295, House Education and Workforce Committee Press Release