Federal workforce development policy and funding are essentially on hold while we await the results of the midterm elections. Members of Congress will spend October in their states/districts ahead of the November 3rd elections. That presents an opportunity for local workforce development boards and stakeholders to invite federal elected officials to attend events, visits American Jobs Centers, or tour local employers active with local workforce development boards.
There is universal recognition that local elected officials must better understand the local workforce development system and its impact throughout the community. The best way to showcase that is with in-person visits and direct interactions/observations with elected officials, staff, businesses, and WIOA participants. With the congressional recess for the month of October, extending invitations to those Members of Congress could help to build a foundation for WIOA Reauthorization and workforce development funding for this year and beyond.
While this can feel daunting, we have several recent examples of congressional members, staff and Administration officials visiting local workforce development boards. Given the consistent advocacy in Washington, DC for workforce development policy and funding, Members are looking to learn more about these programs and how they are impacting their constituents – in many cases, they may not truly appreciate the barriers faced by individuals and the extensive work done to get people into job training and/or work.
