Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) introduced the Workforce Development Modernization Act today, which would amend the Workforce and Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) to give local Workforce Development Boards the option to create virtual One-Stop Centers, share resources with other workforce development regions and One-Stop Centers, or co-locate at community colleges. This legislation would expand access to employment resources by allowing job seekers to gain information about in-demand jobs and training online, while also addressing labor shortages.
“Strengthening our workforce starts with meeting people where they are and modernizing our approach to employment support. American Job Centers provide valuable services such as training referrals, job listings, and career counseling, but requiring in-person access to these resources leaves many Americans behind. My Workforce Development Modernization Act creates a virtual option so job seekers with transportation challenges, childcare responsibilities, demanding schedules, or rural addresses can still access the benefits they’ve earned as taxpayers,” said Senator Budd.
“In Louisiana, there are workers looking for work and employers looking for employees. By modernizing workforce development programs with virtual services, this common sense bill increases flexibility and increases employment opportunities,” said Dr. Cassidy.
“Nebraska’s workforce needs modern solutions to meet today’s labor demands. The Workforce Development Modernization Act provides essential flexibility for our states. Local boards can now choose between physical or virtual centers. This bill helps Nebraskans find great jobs more efficiently. It’s a win for our workers and our economy,” said Senator Ricketts.
“Our workforce development system should be flexible enough to serve workers in today’s economy. Allowing virtual One-Stop Centers and shared partnerships with community colleges will help more North Carolinians gain the skills they need to fill open jobs, strengthen local economies, and address ongoing workforce shortages,” said Senator Tillis.
Read the full bill text HERE.
BACKGROUND
The Workforce Development Modernization Act, more specifically, would:
- Allow One-Stop Centers to offer services fully virtually
- Encourage adjacent workforce development regions to share physical or virtual One-Stop Centers
- Give One-Stop Centers the option to physically co-locate in community colleges
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