Bonamici Introduces Resolution to Recognize National Workforce Development Month
WASHINGTON DC [9/22/2022] – Today Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) and 13 co-sponsors introduced a resolution to designate September 2022 as National Workforce Development Month.
Workforce development is broadly defined as the education, training, and career advancement of the workforce in the United States and is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge in the global economy.
"Workforce development programs have the power to change lives," said Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici. "I've spoken with several people in Oregon who told me that workforce programs improved their lives and the lives of their children. Federal workforce programs, like those authorized in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), provide a path to good-paying jobs and fuel economic growth. Recent federal investments in semiconductor manufacturing, infrastructure, and green energy will create millions of new jobs, and we need a skilled workforce to fill those positions. I'm glad to lead my colleagues in recognizing the importance of workforce development programs in preparing our country for the economy of today and tomorrow."
Workforce development programs facilitated through WIOA are projected to serve more than 5 million young people and adults in 2022 alone. Other federal laws, including the Wagner-Peyser Act and the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, serve a combined 15 million current and future workers across the nation.
"Jobs that require skills training are the backbone of our economy," said Andy Van Kleunen, CEO, National Skills Coalition. "The recognition of National Workforce Development Month helps demonstrate a national commitment to inclusive, high-quality skills training so that more people have access to a better life, and more local businesses see sustained growth. It also helps recognize the impact that workforce programs have on the lives of millions of Americans."
This resolution describes the benefits of intersectoral collaboration and a multitiered public sector approach to skills training and development, cites statistics about the prevalence and reach of workforce development programs authorized under federal law, and expresses the intent of the House of Representatives to support federal initiatives to promote workforce development.
An identical resolution has already passed the Senate.
"From clean energy and advanced manufacturing to sustainable agriculture and innovative technology, we need to ensure that the American workforce is ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century economy," said Senator Feinstein. "Our resolution recognizes the vital role workforce development plays in growing America's next generation of workers as well as supporting the advancement of current professionals looking for new employment opportunities."
The full text of the resolution can be read here.
In the House, it was co-sponsored by: Representative Lucy McBath (GA), Representative Frederica Wilson (FL), Representative Tony Cardenas (CA), Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Dwight Evans (PA), Marie Newman (IL), Kathy Manning (NC), Troy Carter (LA), Thomas Suozzi (NY), Susie Lee (NV), Dina Titus (NV), Adam Smith (WA), and Tom O'Halleran (AZ).
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