Gallego Votes to Support Workforce Training Programs
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Ruben Gallego (AZ-07) today voted to pass H.R 7309, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022 (WIOA). Reauthorizing and strengthening WIOA funding that expired in 2020, the bill allocates $74 billion over six years in job programs and job training for adults, youth, and dislocated workers.
This bill will surge resources to local WIOA job training programs like the ones Rep. Gallego has fought to have funded through the Community Project Funding Program – including $1.2 million for Arizona OIC’s Arizona Hospitality Academy in the FY2022 omnibus and Rep. Gallego’s recently announced FY2023 submission of $1 million for the YMCA Y-Achievers Workforce Development Program to expand workforce development case management to 500 youth in AZ-07.
“Building the 21st century workforce of tomorrow means training Americans today,” said Rep. Gallego. “Unfortunately, the federal government over the past two decades has divested from workforce development. If we want to compete globally, it is time to reverse that trend. Whether it is high school students looking to pursue a trade, or those that have served their time wanting to start their careers, America should support and enable a well-trained and diverse workforce. I am proud to support this bill and help Americans access the tools and resources they need to pursue their American Dream.”
While the U.S. labor force has grown by roughly 50% over the past 40 years, federal spending on workforce development has fallen by two-thirds. The result has been a systemic underinvestment in workforce development services which serve populations that need them most. Reauthorizing the WIOA will grow our economy while expanding access to high quality job training, career navigation services, and other critical programs.