Recognizing the importance of workforce development efforts on national, state, and local levels, House Resolution 1453 has been introduced in the 118th Congress to proclaim September as National Workforce Development Month.
In support of this action the bill highlights a number of compelling statistics that emphasize the importance of workforce development efforts at all levels:
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in July 2024 that there are approximately 8.2 million unfilled jobs in the U.S., which decreases corporate productivity, reduces the local tax base, and hinders global competitiveness.
- Seventy six percent of business leaders say greater support for skills development would help their businesses.
- As of August 2024, in the U.S., (1) roughly 7.1 million individuals are unemployed; (2) unemployment rates for Black and Hispanic adults are well above the unemployment rates for White adults; and (3) workers without postsecondary education and skills development are more likely to be unemployed.
- The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act supports employment, skills development, and support services for approximately 2.9 million individuals with barriers to employment, including (1) individuals who earn low incomes; (2) individuals who are out of work, including the long-term unemployed; (3) individuals displaced by outsourcing; (4) individuals living in rural areas or areas with persistently high unemployment; (5) individuals looking to learn new skills; and (6) individuals with disabilities.
- The more than 550 workforce development boards and 2,400 American Job Centers are a driving force behind growing regional economies by providing resources and assistance to workers who aim to compete in the 21st century economy.
“We are thrilled to see a bipartisan group of members of Congress taking action to recognize the vital economic role of workforce development,” said National Association of Workforce Boards President and CEO, Brad Turner-Little. “It is heartening to see the collaboration, often led by workforce development boards, receive this kind of recognition from Congress.”
Read the complete resolution: https://www.congress.gov/118/bills/hres1453/BILLS-118hres1453ih.pdf
