Congressmen Davis and Finstad Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Give States Flexibility to Respond to Local Employment Needs

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressmen Don Davis (NC-01) and Brad Finstad (MN-01) introduced the H.R. 10085, Lifelong Learning Act, which would update the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to distribute additional resources to workforce training programs that address current talent shortages by upskilling active employees and reconnecting individuals to the job market.

"Across eastern North Carolina, employers are looking for skilled workers while hardworking people are seeking opportunities to grow, earn more, and build lasting careers close to home," said Congressman Davis. "The Lifelong Learning Act gives our local workforce boards greater flexibility to help businesses train and retain employees, prevent layoffs, and reconnect more North Carolinians with the workforce. Strengthening our talent pipeline will help rural communities compete, attract new investment, and grow our regional economy."

"Developing our workforce is critical to the success of our communities and economy. I am proud to join Congressman Davis in introducing the Lifelong Learning Act, which would give our local Workforce Development Boards increased flexibility to meet local needs, invest in incumbent worker and transitional job training, and equip individuals with essential workforce training and skill development, ultimately connecting them with more in-demand jobs," said Congressman Finstad.

The Lifelong Learning Act updates WIOA guidelines, allowing Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs) to:

• Utilize up to 30 percent of their Adult and Dislocated Worker budget for Incumbent Worker Training (IWT), which helps employers equip current employees with in-demand skills that expand career opportunities and avert layoffs. IWT programs have been crucial in helping LWDBs respond to broad labor market issues, such as increased automation since the COVID-19 pandemic. WIOA currently limits LWDBs from investing more than 20 percent of their budget for IWT programs.
• Expand the allowable cap for transitional job training opportunities from 10 to 15 percent, allowing LWDBs to offer more programs aimed at recruiting individuals back into the labor force. This includes programs for justice-involved individuals, young adults transitioning out of foster care, and those who have inconsistent work histories.
• Allow LWDBs to serve as the one-stop operators in local workforce areas to provide an integrated and coordinated system for the delivery of workforce development programs and services tailored to local needs. WIOA includes a requirement that LWDBs identify and select a one-stop operator via a competitive process.

The bipartisan Senate companion bill, S. 3870, was introduced this past February by Senators Gary Peters (MI), Ted Budd (NC), and John Hickenlooper (CO).