Rothfus Votes for Job Training Reforms

Press Release

Congressman Keith Rothfus [PA-12] released the following statement after voting for the Supporting Knowledge and Investing in Lifelong Skills (SKILLS) Act.

"The SKILLS Act will help the unemployed and underemployed access critical job-training services more easily," said Rothfus. "While millions of Americans are looking for a job, many employers report that they cannot find enough employees with the necessary skills. This legislation helps job seekers acquire new skills and employers find a well-trained workforce, and it makes our government more efficient in serving the people."

12 million Americans are looking for work, but 3.6 million job openings remain unfilled. At the same time, the taxpayers spend $18 billion on job training programs.

The SKILLS Act replaces a confusing web of duplicative and redundant federal programs with the Workforce Investment Fund, a one-stop shop for information and support. It would require that State and local workforce investment boards include a two-thirds majority of employers which would help ensure that Americans are trained for jobs that are actually in demand. In addition, it protects taxpayers by requiring an independent review of programs every five years.

The SKILLS Act (H.R. 803) passed the House by a vote of 215-202.

Source