Mobile Courant

Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) emphasized the need for improved data sharing within the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) system, following the introduction of his Workforce DATA Act. The WIOA provides job training for unemployed Americans and aids economic mobility. Since its reauthorization in 2014, significant changes have occurred in the American workforce.

Currently, states must report metrics about program success to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). However, ambiguity exists regarding which entities are responsible for data collection, leading to an unclear picture of both program effectiveness and workforce status. Senator Tuberville’s Workforce DATA Act aims to clarify these responsibilities, increase participation standards, assist businesses in hiring skilled workers, and ensure taxpayers receive optimal returns on their investments.

In a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing, Senator Tuberville discussed WIOA with Matthew Dickerson of Mid-South Extrusion and Monty Sullivan of Louisiana Community and Technical College. He highlighted how his bill would facilitate more Alabamians entering the workforce.

“You know, whenever I hear from my folks back in Alabama,” said Tuberville. “We’re struggling right now in our states—struggling to fill jobs... Reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act will be a huge step in the right direction—I think we all agree with that.”

He continued by introducing his bill: “This bill is simple... It would help ensure these federal dollars are getting to the right folks... My bill would improve data sharing within the WIOA system.”

Dickerson noted industry challenges: “From an industry standpoint... business and industries are spending more internal dollars on developing their own workforce because [of] lack of participation from [external sources].”

When asked if the current system is working, Dickerson responded: “I think there’s challenges with the current system that make it difficult to be successful.”

Senator Tuberville expressed concerns about education's role: “Our education system has abandoned us in some degree... Too many of our kids go to four-year schools that don’t need to go.”

Sullivan pointed out funding issues: “[The] federal appeal program is about $30 billion...[but] there are very few people out of the 150,000 that we have educated every year...that are funded via WIOA.”

Tuberville concluded by advocating for better use of Pell Grants for workforce development: “We could use Pell Grants more for workforce development for kids that just want to specify on something.”

Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and serves on several committees including Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP.

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