ACTE National Policy Seminar March 3, 2014 Washington, DC Policy Breakout Session: Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

Our Vision We seek an America that grows its economy by investing in its people, so that every worker and every industry has the skills to compete and prosper.

Our Mission We organize broad-based coalitions seeking to raise the skills of America’s workers across a range of industries. We advocate for public policies that invest in what works, as informed by our members’ real-world expertise. And we communicate these goals to an American public seeking a vision for a strong U.S. economy that allows everyone to be part of its success.

Workforce Investment Act (WIA)

How Did We Get to Where We Are? GAO report (47 programs across 9 agencies spending $18B) House passed SKILLS Act (HR 803) in early 2013 Senate HELP Committee passed Workforce Investment Act of 2103 in July Administration putting new emphasis on job training in 2014

Reminder: Key Differences Between House and Senate Bills Board composition Governor’s authority Program consolidation Role of special populations Formula funding Appropriations

Finish Line (Maybe) in Sight Closer to reauthorization than we have been in a long time Reid has filed motion to proceed Harkin and Miller retiring, have expressed interest in getting WIA done Leadership interest in (any) bipartisan legislation they can pass

So Where Are We Now? Staff have been “pre- conferencing” since late Fall Conversations seem to be accelerating in recent weeks Consolidation likely to be last outstanding issue to resolve Will there be fundamental structural changes to underlying law?

Workforce Funding

Working in Coalition to Protect Federal Funding

Deep Cuts in Federal Funding Caps and sequester cuts result in $3.3 trillion deficit reduction (by 2024) Most of these savings (49%) come from discretionary programs; about one- quarter from increased revenue

Funding Cuts in Context

Cuts to Workforce Development Key workforce development programs have lost more than $1 billion since just 2010 FY 2014 levels above FY 2013 post- sequester, but below FY 2013 pre-sequester levels

Going Forward Bipartisan Budget Agreement sets top-line funding levels in FY 2014 and 2015, with some sequester relief Administration’s budget released March 4. Two parts: 1) funding under budget caps, and 2) $56B “Opportunity, Growth, and Security Initiative” focused on research, manufacturing, education, and job training House will do 2015 budget resolution, Senate will not Very difficult to see how appropriators are able to draft bills that stay under current caps

Stay Connected Visit us our website. Sign up for our member list. Follow us on:

Contact Rachel Gragg, Ph.D. Federal Policy Director National Skills Coalition , ext. 102