Policy news - News You Can Use - Workforce Investment Act - Brief Article

T+D, Sept, 2002

A snapshot of U.S. federal legislation and policy affecting workforce development and the HRD profession.

WIA Reauthorized

Congress will reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) in 2003. WIA was passed in 1998 to consolidate a fragmented public-sector employment and training system and to better serve workers and employers. In spring 2002, the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (ETA) held a series of public forums to solicit input from stakeholders and customers on issues related to the reauthorization of WIA.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Elaine Chao identified four steps to help Congress improve the employment and training system when it reauthorizes WIA:

* Ensure that the one-stop career system works closely with employers.

* Simplify the system so it can be used as an economic development tool.

* Improve how the system measures program performance.

* Encourage collaborative programs with local community colleges.

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