Virginia Foxx: “Today, the Federal Government spends $18 billion a year to operate more than 50, often duplicative, workforce education…”

“Today, the Federal Government spends $18 billion a year to operate more than 50, often duplicative, workforce education programs. Even with that significant investment, roughly 20 million Americans remain un- or -underemployed. Businesses, too, are also struggling, struggling to find workers with the right technical skill sets to fill vacant jobs on payroll. Why the mismatch? Why aren't workforce education programs efficiently preparing capable job seekers for these careers? Job seekers and employers alike would be better served by a more responsive, individualized, and modern workforce development strategy. With my colleagues on the Education and Workforce Committee, I have introduced H.R. 803, the SKILLS Act, which will eliminate arbitrary roadblocks within existing workforce education programs, prioritize well-paying, in-demand industries, expand opportunities at community colleges, and most importantly, treat all job seekers as individuals. Let's pass the SKILLS Act. ____________________”