U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Ted Budd (R-NC) have introduced two bills aimed at improving access to job opportunities and modernizing workforce development in the United States. The Workforce Development Modernization Act and the Employer-Directed Skills Act are designed to reduce regulatory barriers, provide greater flexibility, and update the nation’s workforce system.
“In Louisiana, there are workers looking for work and employers looking for employees,” said Dr. Cassidy. “These common sense bills cut red tape and empowers workers with skills and flexibility to succeed in a 21st century economy.”
The Workforce Development Modernization Act is co-sponsored by Senators Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and Thom Tillis (R-NC). The bill would allow local Workforce Development Boards to establish virtual One-Stop Centers, share resources across regions, or co-locate services at community colleges. This approach aims to expand access to employment resources online for job seekers while addressing labor shortages.
“Strengthening our workforce starts with meeting people where they are and modernizing our approach to employment support,” said Senator Budd. “American Job Centers provide valuable services such as training referrals, job listings, and career counseling, but requiring in-person access to these resources leaves many Americans behind. My Workforce Development Modernization Act creates a virtual option so job seekers with transportation challenges, childcare responsibilities, demanding schedules, or rural addresses can still access the benefits they’ve earned as taxpayers.”
“Nebraska’s workforce needs modern solutions to meet today’s labor demands,” said Senator Ricketts. “The Workforce Development Modernization Act provides essential flexibility for our states. Local boards can now choose between physical or virtual centers. This bill helps Nebraskans find great jobs more efficiently. It’s a win for our workers and our economy.”
“Our workforce development system should be flexible enough to serve workers in today’s economy,” said Senator Tillis. “Allowing virtual One-Stop Centers and shared partnerships with community colleges will help more North Carolinians gain the skills they need to fill open jobs, strengthen local economies, and address ongoing workforce shortages.”
The Employer-Directed Skills Act seeks to make it easier for businesses to participate in skills programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The legislation allows companies to identify potential employees for training programs that best fit their needs while using WIOA funds to offset costs.
This bill has received endorsements from several industry groups including Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA), Floor Covering Education Foundation, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of North Carolina, as well as members of the Skills First Coalition such as IBM Corporation and U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
“The stability of America’s workforce depends upon investing in a modern approach to employee development, but outdated rules and red tape in the workforce system discourage businesses from accessing federal resources to close the skills gap to fill in-demand jobs,” said Senator Budd. “As companies continue to innovate, we cannot afford to delay providing our workforce with the necessary training to compete in today’s rapidly changing economy. The Employer-Directed Skills Act would unlock access for American businesses to take advantage of valuable skills development programs to recruit and retain qualified personnel to strengthen our workforce.”
“Our members consistently tell us that attracting and retaining skilled workers is their top priority. The Employer Directed Skills Act addresses this challenge by making WIOA funds more accessible, flexible, and effective for employers and workers alike. We are immensely grateful to Senator Budd and his team for their work on this bill and their commitment to strengthening and modernizing the skilled trades workforce,” said Barton James, President and CEO of Air Conditioning Contractors of America.
“The labor shortage in our industry continues to be a major barrier to growth and meeting customer demand. We’re encouraged to see legislation like the Employer-Directed Skills Act taking meaningful steps to connect education and workforce training directly with employer needs. At USA Flooring and through the Floor Covering Education Foundation, we’re committed to developing skilled talent and supporting good-paying careers in flooring and construction across North Carolina. This bill represents an important collaboration between policymakers, employers, and workforce organizations, and we’re proud to support these efforts,” said Kris Lloyd, President of USA Flooring.
“The Floor Covering Education Foundation strongly supports the Employer-Directed Skills Act and its focus on empowering employers to play a direct role in workforce training and skills development. This legislation recognizes what industries like flooring have long known—employers are best positioned to identify skill needs and invest in training that leads directly to employment. By reducing barriers and encouraging employer-led partnerships, the Employer-Directed Skills Act strengthens career pathways, supports job seekers, and helps build a more responsive and sustainable workforce. FCEF is proud to support policies that align education, industry demand, and long-term career success,” said Kaye Whitener, Executive Director of Floor Covering Education Foundation.
“We thank Senator Budd for reintroducing the Employer-Directed Skills Act, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring jobseekers have a pathway to sustained work in high-demand job fields such as plumbing and HVAC. The Employer-Directed Skills Act enhances WIOA by allowing employers such as plumbing and HVAC contractors to assess jobseekers under WIOA to ensure they command the skillsets needed to succeed in the workforce. The plumbing and HVAC contractors of the PHCC in North Carolina and across the country are grateful for Senator Budd’s recognition of the value employers can provide in skills assessment to make the WIOA process more efficient and effective,” said Jason Pritchard, President of PHCC National Association; Chris Wilson President PHCC of North Carolina.
“The Skills First Coalition welcomes the introduction of the Employer-Directed Skills Act. This is a critical step in realigning the nation’s public workforce system to work more closely with employers prioritize high-quality work-based learning and on-the-job training programs and prepare Americans for in-demand jobs We encourage the Senate to incorporate this critical bill as part of any WIOA modernization legislation advancing this year ” said Rosemary Lahasky Co-Chair Skills First Coalition; Josh Connolly Co-Chair Skills First Coalition
The Senate Health Education Labor & Pensions Committee plays an important role overseeing federal policy on health education labor issues according to its official website. In addition its responsibilities include legislating on public health retirement programs protecting worker rights influencing regulations affecting health & education nationwide & overseeing agencies like FDA NIH as detailed here.
