Rep. Leger Fernández Votes to Invest in Underfunded Workforce Development Programs

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández voted to pass theWorkforce 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 New Mexico with our 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.

"These past two years, our economy has made meaningful progress toward recovering from COVID-19, but we know that many job openings currently exceed applicants, and employers need skilled workers. Our communities deserve to have good-paying jobs and WIOA will provide the apprenticeships for good high paying jobs in renewable energy, health care, the film and arts sector, and much more," said Leger Fernández. "I worked with my colleagues on the Education and Labor committee to ensure these programs reach rural communities and bolster the creative economy."

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 the WIOA program is a key tool to help Americans get back to work and support businesses. As the country continues to recover 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.

Source