WASHINGTON D.C. — Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee Chairman Burgess Owens (R-UT) led a hearing titled “Strengthening WIOA: Improving Outcomes for America’s Workforce.”
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Chairman Owens opened the hearing by emphasizing the urgent need to modernize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to better align workforce training programs with employer needs.
“A strong workforce development system is vital to growing our economy and providing economic opportunities to every American. Employers are seeking high-quality workers to fill the nearly 8 million open jobs in the U.S., while we also have 6.8 million unemployed individuals—many of whom lack the skills needed for these available jobs. The Stronger Workforce for America Act aims to bridge this gap by bringing employers and workers together,” said Owens.
Chairman Owens highlighted that while WIOA has improved workforce training since its enactment in 2014, significant gaps remain. He underscored key reforms in the Stronger Workforce for America Act, including ensuring at least 50% of adult and dislocated worker funding is dedicated to skills development, increasing employer engagement, and strengthening accountability measures.
“This bill prioritizes training that leads to real jobs—whether through individual training accounts, apprenticeships, or employer-led programs. We must ensure that workforce funding is being spent effectively to prepare workers for in-demand careers,” finished Owens.
During the hearing, Chairman Owens questioned witnesses on key issues affecting workforce development, including the need for better data utilization, employer engagement in training programs, and state-level flexibility in administering workforce funds.
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Chairman Owens questioned Dr. Stephen Moret, President and CEO of the Strada Education Foundation, about the need for improved data utilization in workforce training programs.
“Why are workforce and education systems reluctant to improve their use of data? Is it a lack of technical expertise or something else?” Owens asked.
Dr. Moret responded that while higher education leaders generally welcome data-driven insights, many institutions lack the necessary systems and capacity to track employment outcomes effectively. He praised the inclusion of Workforce Data Quality Initiative (WDQI) grants in the Stronger Workforce for America Act, stating that expanded data availability would help institutions better align training with job market needs.
Chairman Owens also questioned Molly Dodge, Senior Vice President of Workforce and Careers at Ivy Tech Community College, about provisions in the legislation that strengthen employer involvement.
“How will the Critical Industry Skills Fund and increased incumbent worker training caps improve employer engagement with workforce programs?” Owens asked.
Dodge explained that the Critical Industry Skills Fund would provide performance-based payments to training providers, ensuring that funds are directed toward industries identified as critical by employers. She emphasized that these provisions would allow businesses to play a direct role in defining workforce needs and addressing skills gaps.
Lastly, Chairman Owens engaged Nicholas Moore, Director of the Office of Education and Workforce Transformation, on the benefits of giving states greater flexibility in administering WIOA Title I funds.
“The Stronger Workforce for America Act includes a pilot program based on my One Door to Work Act, which was modeled after Utah’s successful approach. How could this pilot authority benefit states like Alabama?” Owens asked.
Moore highlighted that Alabama has lost nearly 60% of its WIOA Title I funding over the past six years, while employer demand for skilled workers has increased. He emphasized that allowing states more flexibility to consolidate funding would enable more dollars to be spent directly on training, helping connect more individuals to the labor force.
Chairman Owens closed the hearing by underscoring the bipartisan nature of the discussion and the national security imperative of strengthening workforce programs.
“I want to say I truly appreciate the bipartisan way we’ve approached this. Workforce development isn’t just about economics—it’s one of the most important national security conversations we can have. Preparing the next generation for the opportunities ahead is critical to America’s future,” said Owens.
“Our American people deserve the opportunity to get to the middle class. They need education, they need training, and they need a pathway to achieve their dreams. We ask you—our industry leaders and workforce innovators—to stay proactive. Let us know what works, and we’ll work to legislate around that,” finished Owens.
The full hearing is available here.
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