WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) hailed Senate passage of the bipartisan Workforce Investment Opportunity Act (WIOA). Passage of this bill marks a major victory for the American workforce and is an essential step to ensuring that workers are equipped with the 21st Century skills they need to succeed in our rapidly changing economy. Additionally, this legislation makes important changes to the Job Corps program that will allow successful centers, like the ones in Hartford and New Haven to continue to make positive changes in the lives of the youth they serve.

“Though long overdue, the passage of this bipartisan Workforce Investment Opportunity Act is a big win for students, families, manufacturers, and workers in Connecticut,” said Murphy. “This sensible compromise will prepare our workforce to succeed and allow long-term unemployed workers to access the tools they need to find work. As a member of the committee that oversees Job Corps Centers, I am particularly thrilled that these critical programs can continue to make a difference in the lives of students by helping them gain meaningful employment. I’m proud that our efforts will benefit so many deserving people.”

Right now, the United States is facing a workforce crisis that is holding our country back from economic success.

In order to remove these hurdles, WIOA creates:

  • A streamlined workforce development system by eliminating duplicative federal programs
  • Business-centered local workforce boards that have the flexibility to meet local needs, which Connecticut’s workforce boards have asked for. 
  • A system to give states the tools to meet regional workforce and employment needs
  • A system to better coordinate workforce development programs with shared economic development and education initiatives
  • A better way for businesses to identify in-demand skills and connect workers with those opportunities and the skills to succeed
  • Better support for individuals with disabilities and better outreach for people who have not yet achieved a high school diploma
  • More support for the long-term unemployed, which represent approximately 35% of unemployed people in Connecticut.

 The bill is expected to pass the U.S. House of Representatives, and be signed into law soon.