Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick Votes to Invest in Chronically Underfunded Workforce Development Program

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick voted to pass the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022 (H.R. 7309), which would invest in our nation’s workforce development programs and help fill job openings in the 20^th Congressional District with qualified workers.

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the backbone of our nation’s workforce development system. The law provides training and career services that help working people across the country get the skills they need and help employers secure a qualified workforce. WIOA includes funding for job training for adults, dislocated workers, and youth as well as supportive services to help participants complete training and join the workforce.

“The evidence is clear that our economy has made meaningful progress toward recovering from the pandemic. Despite this progress, we know job openings currently exceed applicants, and employers are clamoring for skilled workers,” said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick. “The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022 would take a critical step forward to empower workers to fill those competitive job positions and—in turn—help reduce supply chain shortages and lower costs for families.”

Federal investment in workforce development has fallen markedly over time. As a result, essential workforce development services are frequently unavailable to the people who need them most. Strengthening WIOA programs is a key tool to help Americans get back to work and support businesses. As the country recovers from the pandemic, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2022 will provide more workers with pathways to better-paying jobs, lower costs, and strengthen our economic recovery.