Governors Weigh In On H.R. 803 The Skills Act (U. S. House of Representatives Passage)

What They're Saying: Governors Support GOP Job Training Reform Efforts 

WASHINGTON, D.C. | March 14, 2013 -

The nation’s governors are voicing their support for reforms included in theSupporting Knowledge and Investing in Lifelong Skills (SKILLS) Act (H.R. 803), legislation to create a more transparent and effective workforce development system. As the leaders note in letters to the committee, H.R. 803 will expand decision-making at the local level, allowing states to eliminate waste and implement programs tailored to the needs of local employers and job seekers.

“[The SKILLS Act] makes government more effective in that it simplifies and consolidates duplicative and overlapping job training programs. By streamlining federal workforce training programs, the SKILLS Act would reduce the administrative burden that current law places on the states. It also provides states with the needed flexibility to tailor job training programs, acknowledging that the needs of New Jersey are surely different than those of other states.” –The Honorable Chris Christie, Governor of New Jersey

“A well trained and educated workforce is necessary for Pennsylvania to compete in the new, global economy…The SKILLS Act is a welcome proposal that would bring greater efficiency and accountability to the workforce development system…The SKILLS Act restores 15% state set-aside funding to support innovative strategies statewide and locally…In addition to providing flexibility and encouraging innovation, the restored state set-aside also supports the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.” – The Honorable Tom Corbett, Governor of Pennsylvania 
“Among its significant provisions, H.R. 803 improves accountability and transparency by requiring states to adhere to ‘common performance measures’ for all workforce services to help eliminate waste… Utah's stewardship of federal funds for workforce programs have proven to be innovative, efficient and committed to positive results for our customers and the taxpayer. Passage of H.R. 803 will give us the flexibility to improve on already impressive outcomes.” – The Honorable Gary Herbert, Governor of Utah

“The SKILLS Act would provide a more transparent and versatile system, one that offers the opportunity to move forward with Virginia’s goals for education and workforce credential attainment, and one that will allow more governors to better address the skills gap in targeted industry sectors. This will result in more Virginians finding jobs and more Virginia businesses increasing opportunities.” – The Honorable Bob McDonnell, Governor of Virginia

“H.R. 803 proposes a market-driven approach to talent development designed to prepare individuals seeking employment for the jobs of today – and the jobs of tomorrow.. Increasing the business representation on state and local boards improves our alignment with market needs. In Florida, we have found that volunteer board members who come from businesses of all sizes and stages bring with them a wealth of experience that help us shape policies with a keen focus on reducing red tape, forging strategic partnerships, measuring return on investment, and pursuing greater efficiencies.” – The Honorable Rick Scott, Governor of Florida

“In today’s global economy, business development, talent development, infrastructure and adult education must work together on a region-wide basis, to leverage scarce resources and drive economic prosperity… By removing bureaucratic barriers and limiting prescriptive funding provisions, the SKILLS Act will provide states with the flexibility to address unique workforce development challenges with solutions that will develop the talent our new economy demands.” – The Honorable Rick Snyder, Governor of Michigan 

Congressman John Kline, Chairman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 15, 2013 CONTACT: Press Office (202) 226-9440 House Approves Job Training Reform LegislationSKILLS Act will strengthen workforce development system and help put Americans back to work WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives today approved the Supporting Knowledge and Investing in Lifelong Skills Act (H.R. 803). Sponsored by Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC), the legislation will help workers access the education and training they need to compete in today’s economy. “After a decade of debate and delay, Congress is another step closer to approving comprehensive job training reform legislation,” said Chairman Kline. “At a time when 12 million Americans are unemployed and the national debt is spiraling out of control, workers and taxpayers can no longer afford the failed status quo. The SKILLS Act will remove the bloated bureaucracy standing between job seekers and the training they need to get back to work. It is time for the Senate to act so reform can become reality.”    “I am delighted the House has advanced the SKILLS Act,” said Rep. Foxx. “Americans deserve a workforce development system that is more efficient, more accountable, and more responsive to the needs of our workplaces. This important legislation heeds the president’s call to cut through the maze of confusing and ineffective workforce development programs. We must ensure taxpayer dollars are supporting workers instead of unnecessary bureaucracy. I urge our Senate colleagues to put forward their own ideas and help move this process forward.” Support for this important legislation continues to grow; governors, community colleges, and job creators have endorsed reforms in the SKILLS Act. As approved by the House, H.R. 803 will: Eliminate and streamline 35 duplicative and ineffective employment and training programs.    Replace the current maze of programs with a flexible Workforce Investment Fund to provide workers, employers, and job seekers one simple source of support.     Establish common performance measures for state and local leaders and require an independent evaluation of programs at least once every five years to improve accountability.     Require local workforce investment leaders to outline the strategies they will implement to serve at-risk youth, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other workers with unique barriers to employment. To learn more about the SKILLS Act, click here.   # # #