U.S. Senators Ted Budd, Bill Cassidy, Pete Ricketts, and Thom Tillis have introduced the Workforce Development Modernization Act. The proposed legislation seeks to update the Workforce and Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) by giving local Workforce Development Boards new options for delivering employment resources.
The bill would allow One-Stop Centers to offer services entirely online, encourage neighboring workforce development regions to share resources either physically or virtually, and give centers the option to co-locate at community colleges. Supporters say these changes are designed to expand access for job seekers who face barriers such as transportation issues, childcare responsibilities, busy schedules, or living in rural areas.
Senator Budd said: “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.”
Dr. Cassidy commented: “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.”
Senator Ricketts added: “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.”
Senator Tillis stated: “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.”
If enacted, the legislation aims to address labor shortages by improving how job seekers connect with training opportunities and available positions.
