Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

Both Chambers of Congress passed bills in 2003 to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act. Unfortunately, however, a conference committee has not yet been convened to work out the differences between the two bills.

In 1998, Congress passed the Workforce Investment Act to better coordinate and deliver federal job training programs. The initiative was designed to meet both the needs of the nation’s businesses and of those seeking employment. Recognizing the unique nature of different states and regions, Title I of the Act mandated that training and employment programs be designed and managed at the local level under the Workforce Investment System. Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) were established to assist the states in developing a strategic workforce plan. A “one-stop” system was also created where information about and access to a wide array of job training, education and employment services is available to an individual in a single neighborhood location. For employers, the “one-stop” system allows them to have a single point of contact to provide information about their future skill and hiring needs.

With WIA up for reauthorization this year, there will be an opportunity to make changes to the program to better prepare New England’s workers with the skills that they need to meet the employment needs of the region’s employers. In addition to addressing funding shortfalls during the appropriations process, suggested improvements to the program may include increasing program integration, reviewing training provider requirements to ensure that eligible, high-quality providers are able to participate in the program, streamlining performance standards to more accurately assess program success and improving multiple funding source coordination.

The Council will continue to work with the New England Congressional delegation to ensure funding formulas and grants are beneficial to New England.