Bill introduced to give workers more training opportunities
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX) — Senators John Hickenlooper (D), Gary Peters (D) and Ted Budd have introduced a bipartisan bill designed to provide states and Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDBs).
The three senators introduced the Lifelong Learning Act. If passed, the bill would allocate additional resources to workforce training programs that address current talent shortages by upskilling existing employees and reconnecting individuals to the job market.
Flexibility to invest in workforce training programs is essential to upskilling and reskilling Americans already in the labor force. This bill will help us keep up with emerging technologies, allowing folks to grow with their industries and stay in careers they love.
Senator John Hickenlooper (D)
Local Workforce Development Board members live and work in the communities they serve, and they have the expertise needed to implement the right sdtrategies for strengthening their regional job market. This legislation gives them the flexibility to respond to the changing employment needs in their communities, helping to connect more individuals to in-demand jobs that are necessary to grow our economy and remain competitive globally.
Senator Gary Peters (D)
As technology continues to transform our industries, it’s incredibly important that we help workers get the skills they need to compete and succeed in today’s economy. We need to give Workforce Development Boards flexibility to address the needs they see in their communities. By doing this, we can help job creators and workers make necessary transitions and stay competitive. I am thankful to Senator Peters for partnering with me in this effort.
Senator Ted Budd (R)
According to a press release from Senator Hickenlooper, If passed, the Lifelong Learning Act would:
Allow LWDBs to use up to 30 percent of their funds to help train existing workers with new skills
Allow LWDBs to use up to 30 percent of their funds to deploy programs that reconnect individuals to the labor force
Measure incumbent worker outcomes against other workforce programs to effectively compare results
Allow LWDBs to serve as the one-stop operators in local workforce areas, contingent on th approval of the governor and chief elected officer
Read the entire bill in the PDF below.
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